What is Cytomel
LiothyronineThe Generic name of this drug
Treatment SummaryLiothyronine is a thyroid hormone that is produced naturally by the thyroid gland. It is four times more powerful than its chemical relative, thyroxine. Liothyronine can be produced artificially, and King Pharmaceuticals developed this product and it was approved by the FDA in 1956. It is used to treat hypothyroidism and other thyroid-related conditions.
Cytomelis the brand name
Cytomel Overview & Background
Brand Name
Generic Name
First FDA Approval
How many FDA approvals?
Cytomel
Liothyronine
1956
94
Approved as Treatment by the FDA
Liothyronine, commonly known as Cytomel, is approved by the FDA for 5 uses like Thyroid Gland and Hypothyroidism .Thyroid Gland
Hypothyroidism
Helps manage Hypothyroidism
euthyroid Goitre
Helps manage euthyroid Goitre
suppression test
Hyperthyroidism
Effectiveness
How Cytomel Affects PatientsLiothyronine is a more powerful and faster-acting hormone replacement than levothyroxine, but it does not last as long. Treatment with liothyronine needs to be closely monitored, as fast correction of thyroid hormones can be risky and cause heart failure. After taking liothyronine, effects will be felt in a few hours and reach their peak after two to three days. Liothyronine will increase the amount of T3 hormone in the body, but has no effect on the amount of T4 hormone.
How Cytomel works in the bodyLiothyronine helps the body to produce the thyroid hormones it needs to function. It does this by binding to receptors in the DNA and controlling the process of transcription and protein synthesis. This helps to increase energy levels, accelerate cell growth and metabolism, and aid in the development of the nervous system. It also improves carbohydrate and protein metabolism.
When to interrupt dosage
The measure of Cytomel is contingent upon the diagnosed state, such as suppression test, Thyroid Gland and Comatose. The amount of dosage is contingent upon the system of delivery (e.g. Intravenous or Oral) noted in the table below.Condition
Dosage
Administration
suppression test
, 0.00625 mg, 0.00225 mg, 0.027 mg, 0.0135 mg, 0.025 mg, 0.01 mg/mL, 0.005 mg, 0.009 mg, 0.05 mg, 0.0045 mg, 0.018 mg, 0.0375 mg, 0.0125 mg, 0.02 mg, 0.0031 mg
Intravenous, Oral, Tablet, , Injection, solution - Intravenous, Tablet - Oral, Injection, Tablet - Topical, Injection - Intravenous, Injection, solution, Topical
Thyroid Gland
, 0.00625 mg, 0.00225 mg, 0.027 mg, 0.0135 mg, 0.025 mg, 0.01 mg/mL, 0.005 mg, 0.009 mg, 0.05 mg, 0.0045 mg, 0.018 mg, 0.0375 mg, 0.0125 mg, 0.02 mg, 0.0031 mg
Intravenous, Oral, Tablet, , Injection, solution - Intravenous, Tablet - Oral, Injection, Tablet - Topical, Injection - Intravenous, Injection, solution, Topical
Comatose
, 0.00625 mg, 0.00225 mg, 0.027 mg, 0.0135 mg, 0.025 mg, 0.01 mg/mL, 0.005 mg, 0.009 mg, 0.05 mg, 0.0045 mg, 0.018 mg, 0.0375 mg, 0.0125 mg, 0.02 mg, 0.0031 mg
Intravenous, Oral, Tablet, , Injection, solution - Intravenous, Tablet - Oral, Injection, Tablet - Topical, Injection - Intravenous, Injection, solution, Topical
myxedema pre-coma
, 0.00625 mg, 0.00225 mg, 0.027 mg, 0.0135 mg, 0.025 mg, 0.01 mg/mL, 0.005 mg, 0.009 mg, 0.05 mg, 0.0045 mg, 0.018 mg, 0.0375 mg, 0.0125 mg, 0.02 mg, 0.0031 mg
Intravenous, Oral, Tablet, , Injection, solution - Intravenous, Tablet - Oral, Injection, Tablet - Topical, Injection - Intravenous, Injection, solution, Topical
supplemental or replacement therapy
, 0.00625 mg, 0.00225 mg, 0.027 mg, 0.0135 mg, 0.025 mg, 0.01 mg/mL, 0.005 mg, 0.009 mg, 0.05 mg, 0.0045 mg, 0.018 mg, 0.0375 mg, 0.0125 mg, 0.02 mg, 0.0031 mg
Intravenous, Oral, Tablet, , Injection, solution - Intravenous, Tablet - Oral, Injection, Tablet - Topical, Injection - Intravenous, Injection, solution, Topical
Hypothyroidism
, 0.00625 mg, 0.00225 mg, 0.027 mg, 0.0135 mg, 0.025 mg, 0.01 mg/mL, 0.005 mg, 0.009 mg, 0.05 mg, 0.0045 mg, 0.018 mg, 0.0375 mg, 0.0125 mg, 0.02 mg, 0.0031 mg
Intravenous, Oral, Tablet, , Injection, solution - Intravenous, Tablet - Oral, Injection, Tablet - Topical, Injection - Intravenous, Injection, solution, Topical
euthyroid Goitre
, 0.00625 mg, 0.00225 mg, 0.027 mg, 0.0135 mg, 0.025 mg, 0.01 mg/mL, 0.005 mg, 0.009 mg, 0.05 mg, 0.0045 mg, 0.018 mg, 0.0375 mg, 0.0125 mg, 0.02 mg, 0.0031 mg
Intravenous, Oral, Tablet, , Injection, solution - Intravenous, Tablet - Oral, Injection, Tablet - Topical, Injection - Intravenous, Injection, solution, Topical
Thyroid Cancer
, 0.00625 mg, 0.00225 mg, 0.027 mg, 0.0135 mg, 0.025 mg, 0.01 mg/mL, 0.005 mg, 0.009 mg, 0.05 mg, 0.0045 mg, 0.018 mg, 0.0375 mg, 0.0125 mg, 0.02 mg, 0.0031 mg
Intravenous, Oral, Tablet, , Injection, solution - Intravenous, Tablet - Oral, Injection, Tablet - Topical, Injection - Intravenous, Injection, solution, Topical
Hyperthyroidism
, 0.00625 mg, 0.00225 mg, 0.027 mg, 0.0135 mg, 0.025 mg, 0.01 mg/mL, 0.005 mg, 0.009 mg, 0.05 mg, 0.0045 mg, 0.018 mg, 0.0375 mg, 0.0125 mg, 0.02 mg, 0.0031 mg
Intravenous, Oral, Tablet, , Injection, solution - Intravenous, Tablet - Oral, Injection, Tablet - Topical, Injection - Intravenous, Injection, solution, Topical
Warnings
Cytomel ContraindicationsCondition
Risk Level
Notes
uncorrected adrenal cortical insufficiency
Do Not Combine
Thyrotoxicosis
Do Not Combine
Common Cytomel Drug Interactions
Drug Name
Risk Level
Description
Abacavir
Minor
Liothyronine may decrease the excretion rate of Abacavir which could result in a higher serum level.
Acetaminophen
Minor
Liothyronine may decrease the excretion rate of Acetaminophen which could result in a higher serum level.
Aclidinium
Minor
Liothyronine may decrease the excretion rate of Aclidinium which could result in a higher serum level.
Acrivastine
Minor
Liothyronine may decrease the excretion rate of Acrivastine which could result in a higher serum level.
Adrenalone
Minor
Liothyronine may increase the vasoconstricting activities of Adrenalone.
Cytomel Toxicity & Overdose RiskThe most toxic dose of liothyronine found in rats is higher than 4540mg/kg. If someone overdoses on liothyronine, they may present with symptoms of hyperthyroidism, confusion, disorientation, cerebral embolism, seizure, shock, coma, or death. These effects can occur immediately or days after the overdose. To reduce the effects of the overdose, the dose of liothyronine should be lowered and supportive treatment provided. There have been no reports studying the cancer-causing or mutation-causing effects of liothyronine or its effects on fertility.
Cytomel Novel Uses: Which Conditions Have a Clinical Trial Featuring Cytomel?
45 active studies are currently assessing the potential of Cytomel to alleviate Hyperthyroidism, myxedema pre-coma and as a suppression test.Condition
Clinical Trials
Trial Phases
supplemental or replacement therapy
0 Actively Recruiting
Hypothyroidism
7 Actively Recruiting
Not Applicable, Phase 4, Phase 2
Comatose
0 Actively Recruiting
Thyroid Cancer
37 Actively Recruiting
Phase 3, Phase 1, Phase 2, Phase 4, Not Applicable, Early Phase 1
Hyperthyroidism
0 Actively Recruiting
myxedema pre-coma
0 Actively Recruiting
suppression test
0 Actively Recruiting
Thyroid Gland
0 Actively Recruiting
euthyroid Goitre
0 Actively Recruiting
Cytomel Reviews: What are patients saying about Cytomel?
5Patient Review
3/12/2014 I was really struggling before I started this medication. I couldn't focus at all and my skin felt like it was crawling. Thankfully, my primary care physician found that my T3 levels were low and put me on Cytomel. It worked wonders within just a few days.
5Patient Review
10/5/2014 I'm feeling great since I started taking cytomel. My doctor first prescribed 10mcg for 1 month, and then increased it to 25mcg after my T3 levels remained low at 71. I've lost the belly fat and my energy level is back to normal!!!! Love it!!!
5Patient Review
1/16/2014 I had a pretty tough time after my thyroid cancer diagnosis and treatment, but this medication has really helped me regain my energy and positivity.
5Patient Review
7/3/2022 Cytomel (37.5 mcg) was prescribed by my psychiatrist as an additional medication to help with my depression. It helped very quickly, even with some tolerable side effects.
5Patient Review
6/21/2018 For more than 10 years, I took the wrong thyroid medication (just synthroid). With Citomel, I finally found something that worked for me. Taking 150 mcg of synthroid and 12.5 of Cytomel has been a game-changer.
4.7Patient Review
12/3/2018 After one month on this medication, I've found my mood to be significantly improved. A downside, however, is that my heart rate has become faster; but, on the bright side, I have lost five pounds (something that's been difficult for me in the past). Overall, it's working well enough that I'm getting blood drawn today to test my dosage.
4.7Patient Review
10/24/20133.7Patient Review
8/2/2015 I definitely had more energy while taking this medication, which was great. However, I also experienced some negative side effects like breast tenderness and insomnia. So far, no weight loss - but that's not why I'm taking the drug, so I'm still happy with it overall.
3.7Patient Review
7/22/2015 I have not experienced any negative side effects. I am curious to know, however, if this drug contains aspartame.
3Patient Review
1/1/2022 I started feeling my heart palpitate even at a small dose of 5mcg. I offset this by using Taurine, but then started to experience an itchy sensation on my arms after about a year of use. It felt like needles were coming out of my skin! I had to take a break from the Cytomel for about three weeks to get rid of the sensation.
3Patient Review
12/23/2014 I haven't noticed any difference in my mood since starting this treatment.
2.3Patient Review
12/15/2015 I've been taking the medication for four weeks now and have unfortunately developed some bad side effects. My heart rate has increased significantly, to the point where I'm feeling dizzy and lightheaded. Additionally, I have a rash on my arm that is extremely itchy. I'll be discussing this further with my doctor today.
Patient Q&A Section about cytomel
Is Cytomel good for weight loss?
"Using Cytomel for weight loss can cause you to lose weight, but it is not recommended as it can have other side effects." - Anonymous Online Contributor
Unverified Answer
What is Cytomel used for?
"Liothyronine is a medication used to treat an underactive thyroid. It provides the thyroid hormone which is normally produced by the thyroid gland. Liothyronine is a man-made form of thyroid hormone." - Anonymous Online Contributor
Unverified Answer
What are the most common side effects of Cytomel?
", sweating;, and increased urination
Some symptoms of hyperthyroidism include having trouble breathing, feeling irritable, having muscle weakness, increased appetite, sweating, and increased urination." - Anonymous Online Contributor
Unverified Answer
Is Cytomel the same as levothyroxine?
"What are two medications that can replace thyroid hormones when your levels are low?
Synthroid and Cytomel" - Anonymous Online Contributor
Unverified Answer