Herb & supplement monograph

Tiratricol Drug Interactions, Uses, Effectiveness, Safety & More

Medically reviewed by ·Updated July 2026
What is this page for?

First and foremost: how Tiratricol interacts with medications. The heart of this page is the interaction list — every drug Tiratricol is known to interact with, and how serious each one is.

But these pages have grown well beyond that into a full monograph — what Tiratricol is, what people use it for and how strong the evidence is, its safety and side effects, and answers to the questions we’re asked most — written and reviewed by the clinical staff at HelloPharmacist. It’s educational information from our licensed clinical databases, not medical advice, and we don’t sell or endorse products. Our editorial policy

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Tiratricol Drug Interactions: The Bottom Line

From the HelloPharmacist Editorial Team · Updated July 2026

Based on the available evidence, the risk of a clinically significant Tiratricol drug interaction is moderate for most people, and it is highest for anyone who takes thyroid medication. A small group of interactions is rated major, all tied to thyroid hormones, while the large remainder are moderate and mostly theoretical.

Interactions deserving the most attention

The clearest concern is with thyroid hormone medications such as levothyroxine, because tiratricol is itself a thyroid hormone and combining them can add up to too much thyroid effect, which is why it should only be used under medical supervision. Beyond that, there are unproven but sensible concerns with warfarin and other blood thinners, where a stronger blood-thinning effect is possible, and with diabetes medications, since related thyroid hormones can shift blood sugar control. Cholestyramine might also reduce how well tiratricol is absorbed.

What the rest of the list means

Most of the long list reflects tiratricol's close relationship to thyroid hormones rather than proven problems with each drug. Effects seen with levothyroxine are assumed to be possible with tiratricol, but for most combinations this has not actually been shown in people, so many of these interactions remain theoretical.

Check your medications against Tiratricol

Based on HelloPharmacist’s Tiratricol interaction data and reviewed under our editorial standards.

Interaction report

Drugs that interact with Tiratricol

225 medications have a known interaction with Tiratricol, graded by severity. Select any drug for the full evidence-based detail.

16 major interactions. These combinations can be clinically significant — best avoided, or used only with close professional supervision. Always check with your pharmacist before combining them with Tiratricol.

2,830 drugs
Conjugated EstrogensCenestin, Enjuvia, Premarin, Premarin Vaginal Cream› Desiccated Thyroid ExtractWesthroid, WP Thyroid› Desiccated Thyroid Extract (prescription Drug)Nature-Throid, Thyrar› DextrothyroxineCholoxin› Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (hcg)Pregnyl› LevothyroxineEltroxin, Estre, Euthyrox, Levo-T, Levolet, Levothroid +5 more› Levothyroxine SodiumErmez, Thyquidity, Tirosint-Sol› Levothyroxine, LiothyronineArmour Thyroid› LiothyronineCytomel› LiotrixEuthroid 1, Euthroid 1/2, Euthroid 3› Liotrix, T4/t3Euthroid 2› MenotropinsMenopur, Repronex› OspemifeneOsphena› Testosterone UndecanoateAndriol, Aveed, Jatenzo, Kyzatrex› ThyroglobulinProloid› Thyroid HormoneEtwon› AbciximabReoPro› AbrocitinibCibinqo› AcarboseGlucobay, Prandase, Precose› AcenocoumarolSintrom› Acetaminophen, AspirinGemnisyn› Acetaminophen, Aspirin, CaffeineExcedrin, Excedrin Extra Strength, Excedrin Migraine› Acetaminophen, IbuprofenCombogesic› AcetohexamideDymelor› Acetylsalicylic AcidEntrophen› AlbiglutideTanzeum› AlogliptinNesina› Alogliptin, MetforminKazano› Alogliptin, PioglitazoneOseni› Alteplase, TpaActilyse, Activase›
Read The List Like a Pharmacist

What Severity, Likelihood & Evidence Mean

Severity — How Serious It Can Be

  • Major. Clinically significant; generally best avoided, or used only under direct professional supervision.
  • Moderate. May need monitoring, a dose adjustment, or separating the times you take each one.
  • Minor. Generally not clinically significant, but still worth noting and mentioning to your pharmacist.
  • No known interaction. Checked against our sources with nothing documented — not the same as proven safety.

Likelihood — How Well It’s Documented

  • Likely. Well-controlled human studies have demonstrated the likely existence of this interaction
  • Probable. Interaction has not been documented in well-controlled studies, however, the interaction has been demonstrated in some small human studies or in controlled animal studies in conjunction with multiple case reports.
  • Possible. Interaction has been documented in animal or in lab research, or the interaction has been documented in humans but is limited to case reports or conflicting clinical research exists
  • Unlikely. Interaction has been demonstrated in animal or in lab research but has been shown not to occur in humans.

Where This Data Comes From

  • Interaction records are evidence-graded and sourced from the Natural Medicines database (TRC Healthcare), the same reference used by pharmacists and hospitals.
  • Each drug listed above links to the full report for that exact Tiratricol combination — clinical detail, likelihood, evidence level, and citations.
  • Content is reviewed by licensed HelloPharmacist pharmacists — see our data sources and editorial standards.
The big picture

The kinds of drugs Tiratricol affects

Every type of medication (drug category) Tiratricol is known to interact with. Open any category for the detail — or search your exact drug in the checker above.

All 4 drug categories Tiratricol interacts with
Thyroid HormoneAnticoagulant/antiplatelet DrugsAntidiabetes DrugsCholestyramine (questran)
Thyroid Hormone

Concomitant use of tiratricol with thyroid hormones may have additive effects.
Tiratricol is a thyroid hormone and should only be used under medical supervision.

Likelihood Probable Evidence B
Anticoagulant/Antiplatelet Drugs

Theoretically, tiratricol might increase the hypoprothrombinemic effects of oral anticoagulants.
Tiratricol is related to thyroid hormones such as levothyroxine. The hypoprothrombinemic effects of oral anticoagulants, including warfarin (Coumadin), are increased by levothyroxine due to increased catabolism of vitamin K-dependent clotting factors. It is not known if tiratricol has a similar effect.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Antidiabetes Drugs

Theoretically, tiratricol might interfere with blood glucose control.
Tiratricol is related to thyroid hormones, such as levothyroxine, which can interfere with blood glucose control and necessitate adjustment of diabetes drug therapy. It is not known if tiratricol has these effects.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Cholestyramine (Questran)

Theoretically, cholestyramine might decrease the absorption of tiratricol.
Tiratricol is related to thyroid hormones such as levothyroxine. Absorption of levothyroxine is reduced by cholestyramine. It is not known if tiratricol absorption is affected.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Monograph

Tiratricol: Uses, Safety & Side Effects

Medically reviewed by · Reviewed July 2026 ·
The bottom line

Tiratricol (also called TRIAC) is a powerful synthetic thyroid hormone metabolite, not a natural herb, and it has been illegally added to some weight-loss and bodybuilding supplements. It can cause serious heart and thyroid problems, and the U.S. FDA has warned consumers not to use products containing it. It is not a safe or approved dietary supplement, and you should avoid it.

Part used
Synthetic thyroid hormone metabolite (not a plant)
Common forms
Tablets, capsules, powders (often sold in weight-loss or 'fat-burner' products)
People commonly use it for
  • Weight loss
  • Fat burning
  • Boosting metabolism
  • Bodybuilding and cutting
  • Thyroid-related supplementation

Popular and traditional uses — not proof it works. See “Uses & effectiveness” below for the evidence.

Safety at a glance
OverallBest avoided

It is a potent thyroid-active drug that the FDA has warned against using in supplements.

PregnancyPossibly Safe

When used orally under medical supervision for treating fetal hypothyroidism.

Read the full pregnancy detail
BreastfeedingInsufficient reliable information

Insufficient reliable information available; avoid using.

Read the full breastfeeding detail

Pregnancy & breastfeeding ratings are from Natural Medicines (Therapeutic Research Center). Safety guidance is general; always confirm with your pharmacist or doctor for your situation.

Jump to a section

Overview

Tiratricol, sometimes called TRIAC (triiodothyroacetic acid), is not an herb or a plant. It is a chemical made in the body in small amounts as a breakdown product of thyroid hormone, and it can also be made synthetically in a lab.

Because it acts like thyroid hormone, some companies have added tiratricol to weight-loss, 'fat-burner,' and bodybuilding products, claiming it speeds up metabolism. However, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has warned that products containing tiratricol are not legal dietary supplements and may pose serious health risks.

In a few countries, tiratricol has been studied or used as a prescription medicine for certain rare thyroid conditions. That is very different from buying it in an over-the-counter supplement, which is not safe or approved.

How it works

Tiratricol binds to thyroid hormone receptors in the body, much like the natural thyroid hormone known as T3. By turning on these receptors, it can increase metabolism, heart rate, and energy use.

This same activity is what makes it dangerous. When you push the thyroid system this way without medical control, it can act like having an overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism), straining the heart and other organs.

Much of what we know comes from its role as a thyroid hormone metabolite and from limited medical research, not from studies of it as a healthy supplement.

Effectiveness

Does Tiratricol work?

Here’s what the research actually shows for each use — graded by Natural Medicines and reviewed by .

Evidence overview · 3 uses evaluated
3 Insufficient evidence
How to read these evidence grades

Natural Medicines’ 7-point scale. We show each rating’s label word-for-word.

1EffectiveStrong, consistent evidence it works.
2Likely EffectiveGood evidence, though not yet conclusive.
3Possibly EffectiveSome evidence suggests a benefit.
4Possibly IneffectiveSome evidence it may not help.
5Likely IneffectiveFairly strong evidence it doesn’t help.
6IneffectiveStrong evidence it doesn’t work.
7Insufficient Reliable Evidence to RateToo little research to say either way.

For Tiratricol, current evidence isn’t strong enough to rate any specific use. The conditions it has been studied for are listed below.

Also studied for 3 conditions — evidence insufficient to rate
Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Hyperlipidemia
Rating & evidence shown verbatim from Natural Medicines

Although there has been interest in using oral tiratricol for hyperlipidemia, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of tiratricol for this condition.

Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Hypothyroidism
Rating & evidence shown verbatim from Natural Medicines

It is unclear if oral tiratricol is beneficial for treatment of hypothyroidism following ablative therapy for differentiated thyroid carcinoma.

Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Pituitary resistance to thyroid hormone (PRTH)
Rating & evidence shown verbatim from Natural Medicines

It is unclear if oral tiratricol is beneficial in PRTH.

Source & disclaimer. Effectiveness ratings and evidence summaries are provided by Natural Medicines (Therapeutic Research Center) and shown as licensed. Where Natural Medicines hasn’t rated a use, HelloPharmacist’s pharmacists may add their own reviewed rating and evidence (each such entry is labeled). This is educational information, not medical advice — talk with your pharmacist or doctor before starting, stopping, or changing a supplement.

Safety & precautions

Tiratricol should be avoided. The FDA has issued warnings that products containing it can cause serious harm and are not lawful supplements.

Taking it can act like a thyroid hormone overdose. This is especially risky for people with heart disease, high blood pressure, thyroid disease, diabetes, or anxiety conditions. Older adults are also more vulnerable to heart-related effects.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding: Avoid tiratricol completely. Altering thyroid hormone activity can harm a developing baby and may pass into breast milk. Thyroid balance during pregnancy is delicate and should only be managed by a doctor.

If you have used a product and feel unwell, contact a healthcare provider right away. Always talk to a pharmacist or doctor before using any product marketed for weight loss or 'metabolism.'

Side effects

Because tiratricol acts like excess thyroid hormone, it can cause symptoms of an overactive thyroid, including:

  • Fast or irregular heartbeat (palpitations)
  • Chest pain
  • High blood pressure
  • Sweating, feeling hot, and tremors
  • Anxiety, restlessness, and trouble sleeping
  • Weight loss with muscle loss
  • Bone loss over time

Serious effects can include dangerous heart rhythm problems and effects on the heart. It may also disrupt your body's natural thyroid function. These risks are why it is considered unsafe.

Tiratricol: Reported Adverse Effects

Documented safety reports on Tiratricol from the evidence-graded Natural Medicines (TRC Healthcare) database, shown word-for-word from the licensed record.

Orally, tiratricol is well tolerated.

Most Common Adverse Effects:

Orally: Diarrhea, fatigue, insomnia, lethargy, nervousness, tachycardia, tremors, and weight changes.

Serious Adverse Effects (Rare):

Orally: Cardiac arrhythmia, heart attack paralysis, stroke.

Reports by condition
Arrhythmia Cardiovascular

Orally, tiratricol has been associated with increased pulse and blood pressure, tachycardia, chest pain, cardiac arrhythmias, and heart attacks.

  1. US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Dietary Supplements Containing Tiratricol: FDA Warns Consumers Against Consuming Tiratricol. Potent Thyroid Hormone Promoted as Dietary Supplement, Nov 21, 2000. Available at: https://www.fda.gov/inspections-complian
Diarrhea Gastrointestinal

Orally, tiratricol has been associated with diarrhea and abdominal cramps.

  1. US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Dietary Supplements Containing Tiratricol: FDA Warns Consumers Against Consuming Tiratricol. Potent Thyroid Hormone Promoted as Dietary Supplement, Nov 21, 2000. Available at: https://www.fda.gov/inspections-complian
Fatigue Endocrine

Orally, tiratricol is associated with symptoms of both thyrotoxicosis and hypothyroidism. Two young adults presented with symptoms of hypothyroidism, including lethargy, muscle weakness, and weight gain despite loss of appetite, after taking tiratricol 3000-4000 mcg daily for 5 weeks or 6000 mcg daily for 3 weeks. Both patients had low thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) and thyroxine (T4) levels, but significantly elevated triiodothyronine (T3) levels. An 87-year old female also presented with low TSH and elevated T3 after taking tiratricol, but had symptoms of thyrotoxicosis, including nervousness, tremors, insomnia, weight loss, and fatigue. Another case report describes a 32-year old female who developed galactorrhea, hyperprolactinemia, and hypothyroidism while taking tiratricol 1050 mcg daily for 8 months.

  1. Scally MC, Hodge A. A report of hypothyroidism induced by an over-the-counter fat loss supplement (Tiratricol). Int J Sport Nutr Exerc Metab 2003;13(1):112-6.
  2. Bauer BA, Elkin PL, Erickson D, Klee GG, Brennan MD. Symptomatic hyperthyroidism in a patient taking the dietary supplement tiratricol. Mayo Clin Proc 2002;77(6):587-90.
  3. Chow WS, Lam KS. An overweight woman with galactorrhoea. Postgrad Med J 1998;74:121-2.
Insomnia Neurologic/CNS

Orally, tiratricol has been associated with tremors, nervousness, insomnia, and strokes. It can also cause muscle weakness. In one case, hypokalemic thyrotoxic periodic paralysis was reported in a 23-year old male who took tiratricol 2000-3000 mcg daily for 2 months and developed leg paralysis.

  1. US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Dietary Supplements Containing Tiratricol: FDA Warns Consumers Against Consuming Tiratricol. Potent Thyroid Hormone Promoted as Dietary Supplement, Nov 21, 2000. Available at: https://www.fda.gov/inspections-complian
  2. Cohen-Lehman J, Charitou MM, Klein I. Tiratricol-induced periodic paralysis: a review of nutraceuticals affecting thyroid function. Endocr Pract 2011;17(4):610-5.
Ophthalmoplegia Ocular/Otic

Orally, tiratricol has been associated with diplopia. In one case, toxic internuclear ophthalmoplegia (loss of movement of one eye, leading to diplopia) was reported in a young adult taking tiratricol with dexfenfluramine for about 3 days. This resolved when both drugs were stopped.

  1. Lledo Carreres M, Lajo Garrido JL, Gonzalez Rico M, et al. Toxic internuclear ophthalmoplegia related to antiobesity treatment. Ann Pharmacother 1992;26:1457-8.
DISCLAIMER: This tool is intended for informational purposes only, and should not be interpreted as specific medical advice. Patients should consult with a qualified healthcare provider before making decisions about therapies and/or health conditions.

Adverse-effects data: Natural Medicines, Therapeutic Research Center

Dosing

There is no safe, established dietary supplement dose for tiratricol, and we will not suggest one. It is not an approved supplement, and the FDA has warned against using products that contain it.

Do not try to dose this on your own. If a product label lists tiratricol or TRIAC, the safest choice is to stop using it and speak with a pharmacist or doctor.

Pregnancy & Breastfeeding

Tiratricol & Breastfeeding

Insufficient reliable information

Insufficient reliable information available; avoid using.

DISCLAIMER: This tool is intended for informational purposes only, and should not be interpreted as specific medical advice. Patients should consult with a qualified healthcare provider before making decisions about therapies and/or health conditions.

© 2026 Therapeutic Research Center

Pregnancy & lactation ratings: Natural Medicines, Therapeutic Research Center

References & further reading

The 12 references that drive our Tiratricol monograph and interaction data, from the evidence-graded Natural Medicines (TRC Healthcare) database. Citations with a link open the study on PubMed or the publisher’s site.

  1. McEvoy GK, ed. AHFS Drug Information. Bethesda, MD: American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, 1998.
  2. US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Dietary Supplements Containing Tiratricol: FDA Warns Consumers Against Consuming Tiratricol. Potent Thyroid Hormone Promoted as Dietary Supplement, Nov 21, 2000. Available at: https://www.fda.gov/inspections-complian
  3. Nicolini U, Venegoni E, Acaia B, et al. Prenatal treatment of fetal hypothyroidism: is there more than one option? Prenat Diagn 1996;16:443-8. DOI
  4. Asteria C, Rajanayagam O, Collingwood TN, et al. Prenatal diagnosis of thyroid hormone resistance. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 1999;84:405-10. PubMed
  5. Mueller-Gaertner HW, Schneider C. 3,5,3'-Triiodothyroacetic acid minimizes the pituitary thyrotrophin secretion in patients on levo-thyroxine therapy after ablative therapy for differentiated thyroid carcinoma. Clin Endocrinol (Oxf) 1988;28:345-51.
  6. Chow WS, Lam KS. An overweight woman with galactorrhoea. Postgrad Med J 1998;74:121-2. PubMed
  7. Lledo Carreres M, Lajo Garrido JL, Gonzalez Rico M, et al. Toxic internuclear ophthalmoplegia related to antiobesity treatment. Ann Pharmacother 1992;26:1457-8. PubMed
  8. Hawkey CM, Olsen EG, Symons C. Production of cardiac muscle abnormalities in offspring of rats receiving triiodothyroacetic acid (triac) and the effect of beta adrenergic blockade. Cardiovasc Res 1981;15:196-205. PubMed
  9. Olsen EG, Symons C, Hawkey C. Effect of triac on the developing heart. Lancet 1977;2:221-3. PubMed
  10. Scally MC, Hodge A. A report of hypothyroidism induced by an over-the-counter fat loss supplement (Tiratricol). Int J Sport Nutr Exerc Metab 2003;13(1):112-6. PubMed
  11. Bauer BA, Elkin PL, Erickson D, Klee GG, Brennan MD. Symptomatic hyperthyroidism in a patient taking the dietary supplement tiratricol. Mayo Clin Proc 2002;77(6):587-90. PubMed
  12. Cohen-Lehman J, Charitou MM, Klein I. Tiratricol-induced periodic paralysis: a review of nutraceuticals affecting thyroid function. Endocr Pract 2011;17(4):610-5. PubMed
Keep reading

This information is for education only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always check with your pharmacist or doctor before starting, stopping, or combining supplements and medications.

Parts of this content are provided by the Therapeutic Research Center, LLC.

DISCLAIMER: Currently this does not check for drug-drug interactions. This is not an all-inclusive comprehensive list of potential interactions and is for informational purposes only. Not all interactions are known or well-reported in the scientific literature, and new interactions are continually being reported. Input is needed from a qualified healthcare provider including a pharmacist before starting any therapy. Application of clinical judgment is necessary.

© 2021 Therapeutic Research Center, LLC

Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Tiratricol: Common Questions

What is Tiratricol used for, and does it work?
People use Tiratricol for a range of reasons, but according to the Natural Medicines database the current clinical evidence is insufficient to confirm it works for the specific conditions it has been studied for. See the graded list on this page, and talk to your pharmacist or doctor before relying on it for any condition.
Does Tiratricol interact with prescription medications?
Yes. We list 225 medications with a known interaction with Tiratricol, including 16 rated major. Use the checker above to see how Tiratricol interacts with a specific drug.
How are Tiratricol interactions rated?
Each interaction is graded major, moderate, or minor based on how clinically significant it is and the strength of the evidence behind it. Major interactions are the most serious and are best avoided, or used only under close professional supervision.
Is it safe to take Tiratricol with my medications?
It depends on the specific medication. Some combinations are fine, while others call for monitoring, timing changes, or should be avoided. Check your exact drug above and confirm with your pharmacist or doctor before starting, stopping, or changing anything.
Where does this Tiratricol interaction information come from?
Our interaction data is built on the Natural Medicines database — an evidence-graded reference for vitamins, herbs, and supplements — and is reviewed by licensed HelloPharmacist pharmacists, who may add clinical context.
Is Tiratricol a natural herb?
No. It is not a plant or herb. It is a synthetic thyroid hormone metabolite (TRIAC) that has been illegally added to some weight-loss and bodybuilding products.
Is Tiratricol safe to use for weight loss?
No. It acts like a strong thyroid hormone and can cause heart problems, anxiety, and other serious effects. The FDA has warned consumers not to use products containing it.
Can I take Tiratricol during pregnancy or while breastfeeding?
No. Avoid it completely. Changing thyroid hormone activity can harm a developing baby and may pass into breast milk.
What should I do if a supplement I bought contains Tiratricol?
Stop using it and talk to a pharmacist or doctor, especially if you feel symptoms like a racing heart, chest pain, sweating, or anxiety.

Written and reviewed by the HelloPharmacist editorial staff. Our editorial policy

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