Determination of liothyronine and levothyroxine in thyroid preparations by liquid chromatography

Liothyronine and levothyroxine were quantitatively determined in samples of commercial thyroid tablets and bulk powders. Samples were first hydrolyzed using a bacterial protease and then analyzed by high-performance liquid chromatography. Various hydrolysis conditions were investigated. The liothyronine and levothyroxine contents of commercial tablets and bulk powders were found to be approximately 8-11 micrograms and 25-43 micrograms, respectively, per 65 mg of thyroid. The stability of the iodothyronines in thyroid tablets was also investigated.