USE
Liothyronine is used to treat underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism). It replaces a hormone that is normally produced by the thyroid gland.
Low thyroid levels can occur naturally or when the thyroid gland is injured by radiation/medications or removed by surgery. It is important to have adequate levels of thyroid hormone in your bloodstream to maintain normal mental and physical activity.
This medication is also used to lower thyroid function in certain diseases such as enlarged thyroid gland (goiter) and Hashimoto's thyroiditis. It is also used to test thyroid activity. Liothyronine is a man-made hormone that replaces the body's natural thyroid hormone (T3).
OTHER USES: This section contains uses of this drug that are not listed in the approved professional labeling for the drug but that may be prescribed by your health care professional. Use this drug for a condition that is listed in this section only if it has been so prescribed by your health care professional.
This drug may also be used to treat thyroid cancer. It has also been used to boost the effect of antidepressant medications in patients whose thyroid levels are normal.
Liothyronine should not be used for treating infertility in patients with normal thyroid levels. The risks of use are high, and liothyronine provides no benefit.
How to use Cytomel Oral
Take this medication by mouth with or without food, usually once daily in the morning or as directed by your doctor.
Dosage is based on your medical condition, thyroid levels and response to therapy.
Take this medication 4 hours before or after taking any products containing aluminum or iron, such as antacids, sucralfate, and vitamins/minerals. Take liothyronine 4 hours before or after taking cholestyramine or colestipol. These products react with liothyronine, preventing its full absorption.
Use this medication regularly in order to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, use it at the same time each day. Do not stop taking this medication without talking with your doctor. Thyroid replacement therapy is usually taken for life.
Symptoms of low thyroid levels include tiredness, muscle aches, constipation, dry skin, weight gain, slow heart rate, and sensitivity to cold. These symptoms should lessen as your body adjusts to the medication. It may take several days before you see an improvement in your condition. Inform your doctor if your condition does not improve or if it worsens after 2 to 3 days of treatment.
SIDE EFFECTS
Nausea may occur. In rare instances, some temporary hair loss may occur during the first few months of starting this drug (especially in children). If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor or pharmacist promptly.
Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.
Though unlikely, it is possible to have too much thyroid hormone. Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious signs of too much thyroid hormone occur: headache, irritability, trouble sleeping, nervousness, increased sweating, heat intolerance, diarrhea, menstrual changes.
Seek immediate medical attention if any of these rare but very serious side effects occur: chest pain, trouble breathing with exercise, fast/irregular/pounding heartbeat, swelling of the arms/legs, extreme weakness.
A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of a serious allergic reaction may include: rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, trouble breathing.
This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
PRECAUTIONS
Before taking liothyronine, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies.
This medication should not be used if you have certain medical conditions. Before using this medicine, consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have: decreased adrenal gland function, kidney disease (e.g., nephrosis), low pituitary hormone (e.g., hypopituitarism), low testosterone (e.g., hypogonadism), overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism).
Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: heart disease (e.g., angina, high blood pressure, heart failure, irregular heartbeat, heart attack), sugar diabetes (diabetes mellitus), water diabetes (diabetes insipidus), long-term severe underactive thyroid (e.g., myxedema).
Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist that you are using this medication.
If you have diabetes, this drug may make it harder to control your blood sugar levels. Check your blood sugar regularly as directed by your doctor. Tell your doctor immediately if you have symptoms such as increased thirst/urination, shakiness, unusual sweating, or hunger. Your anti-diabetic medication or diet may need to be adjusted.
Kidney function declines as you grow older. This medication is removed by the kidneys. Therefore, elderly people may be at a greater risk for heart problems while using this drug.
Children may be more sensitive to the effects of thyroid hormones.
Current information shows that this drug may be used during pregnancy. Consult your doctor before becoming pregnant.
Liothyronine passes into breast milk. While there have been no reports of harm to nursing infants, consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
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