Cytomel (Liothyronine Sodium)
Liothyronine Sodium (Cytomel) belongs to the general group of medicines called thyroid hormones. Thyroid hormones are used when the thyroid gland does not produce enough hormone. They are also used to help decrease the size of enlarged thyroid glands (known as goiter) and to treat thyroid cancer.
Use Liothyronine Sodium only as directed by your doctor. Do not use more or less of Cytomel, and do not use it more often than your doctor ordered. Your doctor has prescribed the exact amount your body needs and if you take different amounts, you may experience symptoms of an overactive or under active thyroid. Take it at the same time each day to make sure it always has the same effect.
If your condition is due to a lack of thyroid hormone, you may have to take this medicine for the rest of your life. It is very important that you do not stop taking this medicine without first checking with your doctor.
Liothyronine Sodium Dosage
The dose of Liothyronine Sodium will be different for different patients. Follow your doctors orders or the directions on the label. The following information includes only the average doses of Cytomel. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.
The number of Liothyronine Sodium tablets that you take depends on the patient. The amount of thyroid hormone that you need to take every day depends on the results of your thyroid tests. However, treatment is usually started with lower doses that are increased a little at a time until you are taking the full amount. This helps prevent side effects.
For replacing the thyroid hormone:
Adults and teenagers — At first, 25 micrograms (mcg) of Cytomel a day. Some patients with very serious conditions caused by too little thyroid hormone may need to take only 2.5 to 5 mcg a day at first. Also, some patients with heart disease or the elderly may need lower doses at first. Then, your doctor may increase your dose a little at a time to up to 50 mcg a day if needed. Your doctor may want you to divide your dose into smaller amounts that are taken two or more times a day.
For treating a large thyroid gland (goiter):
Adults — At first, 5 mcg of Liothyronine Sodium a day. Some patients with heart disease or the elderly may need lower doses at first. Then, your doctor may increase your dose a little at a time to 50 to 100 mcg a day.
If you miss a dose of Liothyronine Sodium
If you miss a dose of Cytomel, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double doses. If you miss 2 or more doses in a row or if you have any questions about this, check with your doctor.
Storage — How to store Liothyronine Sodium
- Keep Liothyronine Sodium out of the reach of children.
- Store Cytomel away from heat and direct light.
- Do not store Liothyronine Sodium in the bathroom, near the kitchen sink, or in other damp places. Heat or moisture may cause the medicine to break down.
- Do not keep outdated Cytomel or Liothyronine Sodium no longer needed. Be sure that any discarded medicine is out of the reach of children.
Side effects of Liothyronine Sodium
Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.
Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur since they may indicate an overdose or an allergic reaction:
Less common or rare Liothyronine Sodium side effects:
Headache (severe) in children; skin rash or hives
Signs and symptoms of Cytomel overdose:
Chest pain; confusion; fast or irregular heartbeat; mood swings; muscle weakness; psychosis; restlessness (extreme); yellow eyes or skin; shortness of breath.
For patients taking this medicine for underactive thyroid:
Liothyronine Sodium usually takes several weeks to have a noticeable effect on your condition. Until Cytomel begins to work, you may experience no change in your symptoms. Check with your doctor if the following symptoms continue:
Clumsiness; coldness; constipation; dry, puffy skin; listlessness; muscle aches; sleepiness; tiredness; weakness; weight gain.
