What is Liothyronine Sodium: Uses, Warnings & Interactions

Updated Jan 13, 2021  •  Published Dec 30, 2020

Liothyronine Sodium overview

BRAND NAMES:

  • Cytomel

Generic Names:

  • Liothyronine Sodium

Uses:

  • Treats hypothyroidism, an enlarged thyroid gland (goiter), and thyroid cancer. Also helps diagnose problems of the thyroid gland.

Therapeutic Classes:

  • Diagnostic Agent, Thyroid Function, Thyroid Supplement

Forms:

  • Tablet

How it’s taken:

  • By mouth

What form(s) does Liothyronine Sodium come in

  • Tablet

What are common Liothyronine Sodium doses?

  • Tablet 5MCG

  • Tablet 25MCG

  • Tablet 50MCG

  • Bottle 1GM of

  • Bottle 5GM of

  • Vial 1ML of 10MCG/ML

Common Liothyronine Sodium prescriptions

  • Liothyronine Sodium
    25mcg tablet

  • Liothyronine Sodium
    50mcg tablet

  • Liothyronine Sodium
    5mcg tablet

How to take Liothyronine Sodium

  • 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.

Liothyronine Sodium 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.

Liothyronine Sodium 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.

Liothyronine Sodium interactions

  • 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.

Liothyronine Sodium side effects

Serious Side Effects

  • 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