Liothyronine is the most potent form of thyroid hormone. The thyroid hormones are essential to proper development and differentiation of all cells of the human body. These hormones also regulate protein, fat and carbohydrate metabolism, affecting how human cells use energetic compounds
It is used for treating individuals who are hypothyroid (do not produce enough thyroid hormones). Thyroid hormones increase the metabolism (activity) of all cells in the body. In the fetus, newborn infant and child, thyroid hormones promote growth and development of tissues. In adults, thyroid hormones help to maintain the function of the brain, the use of food by the body, and body temperature.
The usual starting dose of liothyronine is 5 to 25 mcg per day. The dose then is altered based on the patient's reaction and the blood levels of thyroid hormone. Optimal liothyronine doses are different for each patient and vary depending on the patient's age, weight, symptoms, blood levels of thyroid hormone and underlying conditions such as heart disease. Individuals who are hypothyroid will require thyroid hormone for life.
Generic and branded tablets of liothyronine may differ in the amount of liothyronine that is absorbed into the body and the distribution of the liothyronine throughout the body. This means that ingestion of 5 mcg of generic or branded liothyronine may not have the same effect on the body as 5 mcg of another generic or branded liothyronine. Practically speaking, this means that when changing between liothyronine manufactured by different pharmaceutical companies, a change in dose may be necessary to maintain the desired effect or to prevent toxicity.
Liothyronine is available with a prescription under the brand name Cytomel. Other brand or generic formulations may also be available. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about this medicine especially if it is new to you.
* Cytomel 5 micrograms (mcg)--white, round tablets
* Cytomel 25 mcg--white, round, tablets
* Cytomel 50 mcg--white, round tablets
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.
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