What is Cytomel: Uses, Warnings & Interactions

Updated Jan 12, 2021  •  Published Dec 30, 2020

Cytomel overview

BRAND NAMES:

  • Armour Thyroid, Cytomel, Euthyrox, Levoxyl, Nature-Throid, NP Thyroid, NP Thyroid 120, Synthroid, Thyrolar, Westhroid, WP Thyroid, Unithroid, Cytomel

Generic Names:

  • Liothyronine Sodium

Uses:

  • Treats hypothyroidism (the body does not produce enough thyroid hormone)., Treats hypothyroidism, an enlarged thyroid gland (goiter), and thyroid cancer. Also helps diagnose problems of the thyroid gland.

Therapeutic Classes:

  • Diagnostic Agent, Thyroid Function, Endocrine-Metabolic Agent, Thyroid Supplement, Diagnostic Agent, Thyroid Function, Thyroid Supplement

Forms:

  • Capsule, Tablet, Tablet

How it’s taken:

  • By mouth, By mouth

What is Cytomel used for?

Cytomel is used to treat hypothyroidism, an underactive thyroid. It works by replacing or providing more thyroid hormone, which the thyroid gland can no longer produce enough of normally.

What form(s) does Cytomel come in

  • Capsule

  • Tablet

  • Tablet

What are common Cytomel doses?

  • Tablet 5MCG

  • Tablet 25MCG

  • Tablet 50MCG

Common Cytomel prescriptions

  • Cytomel
    100 tablets bottle

  • Cytomel
    120 tablets bottle

  • Cytomel
    30 tablets bottle

  • Cytomel
    25mcg tablet

  • Cytomel
    50mcg tablet

  • Cytomel
    5mcg tablet

How to take Cytomel

  • Take your medicine as directed. Your dose may need to be changed several times to find what works best for you.

  • Missed dose: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

  • Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.

  • Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.

  • Take your medicine as directed. Your dose may need to be changed several times to find what works best for you.

  • Missed dose: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

  • Your doctor will tell you how much to take and how often

  • Take your medicine at the same time every day.

  • Take the medicine on an empty stomach.

  • Do not stop taking this medicine without first checking with your doctor, you may need to take smaller and smaller doses before completely stopping the medicine.

  • Your doctor will tell you how much to take and how often

  • Take your medicine at the same time every day.

  • Take the medicine on an empty stomach.

  • Do not stop taking this medicine without first checking with your doctor, you may need to take smaller and smaller doses before completely stopping the medicine.

What to do if you miss a dose of Cytomel

  • Take the missed dose take as soon as possible.

  • Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next regular dose.

  • You should not use two doses at the same time.

Cytomel contraindications

  • This medicine is not right for everyone. Do not use it if you had an allergic reaction to liothyronine, or if you have uncorrected adrenal gland problems. Do not use this medicine to treat obesity or to lose weight.

  • You should not use this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to any type of thyroid hormone or if you have an overactive thyroid gland.

Cytomel warnings

  • Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have kidney disease, liver disease, heart or blood vessel disease, diabetes, blood clotting problems, adrenal gland problems, or pituitary gland problems.

  • This medicine may cause the following problems:Heart and heart rhythm problemsMyxedema coma, which may be life-threateningAdrenal gland problemsLow bone mineral density

  • Do not stop using this medicine without asking your doctor, even if you feel well. This medicine will replace a hormone that is normally produced by your thyroid gland. You may have to take this medicine for the rest of your life.

  • Tell any doctor or dentist who treats you that you are using this medicine.

  • Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.

  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

  • Check with your doctor before taking this medicine if you have heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, or an underactive adrenal or pituitary gland.

  • Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

  • Large doses of thyroid hormones, especially when taken with diet pills, can result in dangerous side effects.

  • Make sure you see your doctor for regular check-ups so your condition can be followed closely.

  • Inability to stand heat

  • Extreme nervousness or irritability, tremors

  • Severe diarrhea, intense sweating

Cytomel interactions

  • Make sure your doctor knows if you are taking a blood thinner (Coumadin®), cholestyramine (Questran®), medicine for diabetes (insulin, Diabenese®, Glucotrol®), estrogens, birth control pills, or products used for colds, asthma, appetite control, hay fever, or sinus problems.

  • Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

  • Large doses of thyroid hormones, especially when taken with diet pills, can result in dangerous side effects.

  • Make sure you see your doctor for regular check-ups so your condition can be followed closely.

  • Many medicines can affect how liothyronine works. Make sure your doctor knows about all other medicines you are using, especially the following:Amiodarone, asparaginase, carbamazepine, clofibrate, digitalis, fluorouracil, furosemide, heroin, imatinib, ketamine, methadone, mitotane, nicotinic acid, phenobarbital, phenytoin, rifampin, salicylate, tamoxifenBeta blockers (including propranolol)Birth control pills (including estrogen)Blood thinner (including heparin, warfarin)Insulin or oral diabetes medicineMedicine to treat depressionNSAID pain medicine (including mefenamic acid)Steroid medicine (including dexamethasone)

  • If you use medicine to treat high cholesterol (including cholestyramine, colesevelam, colestipol), or sevelamer, or sodium polystyrene, take liothyronine at least 4 hours before you take any of these medicines.

Cytomel side effects

Serious Side Effects

  • Skin rash or hives

  • Shortness of breath or trouble breathing

  • Chest pain

  • Fast or pounding heartbeat

  • Inability to stand heat

  • Extreme nervousness or irritability, tremors

  • Severe diarrhea, intense sweating

  • Bone pain

  • Changes in skin color, dark freckles

  • Chest pain, trouble breathing, fast or uneven heartbeat

  • Cold feeling, weakness, tiredness, nausea, vomiting, weight loss, confusion

  • Leg cramps, headache, nervousness, irritability, tremors, excessive sweating, heat intolerance, fever, changes in menstrual periods

  • Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing

  • Rapid weight gain, swelling in your face, hands, ankles, or feet

Less Serious Side Effects

  • Diarrhea

  • Temporary hair loss

  • Anxiety

  • Appetite changes, weight loss

  • Irregular menstrual periods

  • Headache

  • Trouble sleeping