liothyronine Health Article

Generic name(s):

liothyronine

Brand name(s):

Cytomel

What is the most important information I should know about liothyronine?

It is important to take liothyronine regularly to get the most benefit.

Do not stop taking this medication without talking to your doctor. It is important to take this medication to replace the thyroid hormone that the body is not producing. Even if you feel well, you may still need to take this medicine every day.

Do not change brands or change to a generic liothyronine drug product without first talking to your doctor. Some liothyronine products may not be interchangeable.

What is liothyronine?

Liothyronine is a naturally occurring hormone produced by the thyroid. It is important for normal energy and metabolism. For a variety of reasons, the body may not produce enough of this hormone on its own. In these cases, liothyronine is taken to replace the body's natural thyroid hormone.

Liothyronine is used to treat hypothyroidism (low thyroid function). Liothyronine is also used to prevent and treat goiter (growth or enlargement of the thyroid gland). Causes of goiter include hormonal imbalances, radiation, surgery, and cancer.

Liothyronine may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking liothyronine?

Since thyroid hormone occurs naturally in your body, almost anyone can take this drug. In general, liothyronine should not be taken if you have other hormonal problems that are not being adequately treated.

Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you have heart diseases such as coronary artery disease, hypertension, and angina. These conditions may be affected by thyroid therapy, and closer monitoring may be necessary at the start of therapy.

Changes in blood sugar may also occur in diabetics, and special monitoring may be necessary.

Liothyronine is in the FDA pregnancy category A. This means that liothyronine is safe for use during pregnancy. It is also safe to take liothyronine if you are breast-feeding a baby. This drug does pass into breast milk but it not considered harmful to a nursing infant.

How should I take liothyronine?

Take this medication exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these directions, ask your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist to explain them to you.

Take each dose with a full glass (8 ounces) of water.

Take this medication at the same time each day. Thyroid hormone is usually taken in the morning to prevent insomnia at night.

It is important to take liothyronine regularly to get the most benefit.

Do not stop taking this medication without talking to your doctor. It is important to take this medication to replace the thyroid hormone that the body is not producing. Even if you feel well, you may still need to take this medicine every day.

Do not change brands or change to a generic liothyronine drug product without first talking to your doctor. Some liothyronine products may not be interchangeable.

Your doctor may want you to have blood tests or other medical evaluations during treatment with liothyronine to monitor progress and side effects.

Store liothyronine at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and take only the next regularly scheduled dose. Do not take a double dose of this medication.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical treatment if an overdose is suspected.

Symptoms of a liothyronine overdose include chest pain, nervousness, trouble sleeping, tremor, rapid heartbeat, nausea, headache, fever, sweating, shortness of breath, heat intolerance, irregular menses, increased appetite, decreased weight, diarrhea, and abdominal pain.