What is "liothyronine"

n. A form of thyroid hormone used to treat hypothyroidism and myxedema coma.

n. thyroid hormone similar to thyroxine but with one less iodine atom per molecule and produced in smaller quantity; exerts the same biological effects as thyroxine but is more potent and briefer [syn: triiodothyronine, T]

Liothyronine is a synthetic form of thyroid hormone (T) used to treat hypothyroidism and myxedema coma. It is also used as an augmentation strategy in treating Major Depressive Disorder when used in combination with antidepressants. It is marketed as the sodium salt under the brand name Cytomel (or Tertroxin in Australia).