Cytomel

Hypothyroidism, Hyperthyroidism, euthyroid Goitre + 6 more

Treatment

7 FDA approvals

20 Active Studies for Cytomel

What is Cytomel

Liothyronine

The Generic name of this drug

Treatment Summary

Liothyronine 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.

Cytomel

is the brand name

image of different drug pills on a surface

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 7 uses like Hyperthyroidism and Hypothyroidism .

Hyperthyroidism

Hypothyroidism

Helps manage Hypothyroidism

euthyroid Goitre

Helps manage euthyroid Goitre

Hypothyroidism

Helps manage Hypothyroidism

suppression test

Thyroid Gland

Hyperthyroidism

Effectiveness

How Cytomel Affects Patients

Liothyronine 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 body

Liothyronine 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

Hypothyroidism

, 0.025 mg, 0.005 mg, 0.05 mg, 0.01 mg/mL, 0.009 mg, 0.0045 mg, 0.0135 mg, 0.00225 mg, 0.018 mg, 0.0031 mg, 0.00625 mg, 0.0375 mg, 0.02 mg, 0.0125 mg, 0.027 mg

, Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Intravenous, Injection, solution, Injection, solution - Intravenous, Injection, Injection - Intravenous, Tablet - Topical, Topical

myxedema pre-coma

, 0.025 mg, 0.005 mg, 0.05 mg, 0.01 mg/mL, 0.009 mg, 0.0045 mg, 0.0135 mg, 0.00225 mg, 0.018 mg, 0.0031 mg, 0.00625 mg, 0.0375 mg, 0.02 mg, 0.0125 mg, 0.027 mg

, Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Intravenous, Injection, solution, Injection, solution - Intravenous, Injection, Injection - Intravenous, Tablet - Topical, Topical

suppression test

, 0.025 mg, 0.005 mg, 0.05 mg, 0.01 mg/mL, 0.009 mg, 0.0045 mg, 0.0135 mg, 0.00225 mg, 0.018 mg, 0.0031 mg, 0.00625 mg, 0.0375 mg, 0.02 mg, 0.0125 mg, 0.027 mg

, Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Intravenous, Injection, solution, Injection, solution - Intravenous, Injection, Injection - Intravenous, Tablet - Topical, Topical

Thyroid Gland

, 0.025 mg, 0.005 mg, 0.05 mg, 0.01 mg/mL, 0.009 mg, 0.0045 mg, 0.0135 mg, 0.00225 mg, 0.018 mg, 0.0031 mg, 0.00625 mg, 0.0375 mg, 0.02 mg, 0.0125 mg, 0.027 mg

, Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Intravenous, Injection, solution, Injection, solution - Intravenous, Injection, Injection - Intravenous, Tablet - Topical, Topical

Hyperthyroidism

, 0.025 mg, 0.005 mg, 0.05 mg, 0.01 mg/mL, 0.009 mg, 0.0045 mg, 0.0135 mg, 0.00225 mg, 0.018 mg, 0.0031 mg, 0.00625 mg, 0.0375 mg, 0.02 mg, 0.0125 mg, 0.027 mg

, Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Intravenous, Injection, solution, Injection, solution - Intravenous, Injection, Injection - Intravenous, Tablet - Topical, Topical

Thyroid Cancer

, 0.025 mg, 0.005 mg, 0.05 mg, 0.01 mg/mL, 0.009 mg, 0.0045 mg, 0.0135 mg, 0.00225 mg, 0.018 mg, 0.0031 mg, 0.00625 mg, 0.0375 mg, 0.02 mg, 0.0125 mg, 0.027 mg

, Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Intravenous, Injection, solution, Injection, solution - Intravenous, Injection, Injection - Intravenous, Tablet - Topical, Topical

supplemental or replacement therapy

, 0.025 mg, 0.005 mg, 0.05 mg, 0.01 mg/mL, 0.009 mg, 0.0045 mg, 0.0135 mg, 0.00225 mg, 0.018 mg, 0.0031 mg, 0.00625 mg, 0.0375 mg, 0.02 mg, 0.0125 mg, 0.027 mg

, Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Intravenous, Injection, solution, Injection, solution - Intravenous, Injection, Injection - Intravenous, Tablet - Topical, Topical

euthyroid Goitre

, 0.025 mg, 0.005 mg, 0.05 mg, 0.01 mg/mL, 0.009 mg, 0.0045 mg, 0.0135 mg, 0.00225 mg, 0.018 mg, 0.0031 mg, 0.00625 mg, 0.0375 mg, 0.02 mg, 0.0125 mg, 0.027 mg

, Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Intravenous, Injection, solution, Injection, solution - Intravenous, Injection, Injection - Intravenous, Tablet - Topical, Topical

Comatose

, 0.025 mg, 0.005 mg, 0.05 mg, 0.01 mg/mL, 0.009 mg, 0.0045 mg, 0.0135 mg, 0.00225 mg, 0.018 mg, 0.0031 mg, 0.00625 mg, 0.0375 mg, 0.02 mg, 0.0125 mg, 0.027 mg

, Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Intravenous, Injection, solution, Injection, solution - Intravenous, Injection, Injection - Intravenous, Tablet - Topical, Topical

Warnings

Cytomel Contraindications

Condition

Risk Level

Notes

Adrenal Insufficiency

Do Not Combine

Thyrotoxicosis

Do Not Combine

There are 20 known major drug interactions with Cytomel.

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 Risk

The 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.

image of a doctor in a lab doing drug, clinical research

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

Thyroid Cancer

38 Actively Recruiting

Phase 2, Not Applicable, Early Phase 1, Phase 1, Phase 3

Comatose

0 Actively Recruiting

Thyroid Gland

0 Actively Recruiting

myxedema pre-coma

0 Actively Recruiting

suppression test

0 Actively Recruiting

Hyperthyroidism

0 Actively Recruiting

Hypothyroidism

6 Actively Recruiting

Phase 2, Phase 4, Phase 3, Not Applicable

euthyroid Goitre

0 Actively Recruiting

supplemental or replacement therapy

0 Actively Recruiting

Cytomel Reviews: What are patients saying about Cytomel?

5

Patient Review

3/12/2014

Cytomel for Thyroid Cancer

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.

5

Patient Review

10/5/2014

Cytomel for T3 Suppression for Thyroid Function Test

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!!!

5

Patient Review

1/16/2014

Cytomel for Additional Treatment for Thyroid Cancer

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.

5

Patient Review

7/3/2022

Cytomel for Additional Medications to Treat Depression

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.

5

Patient Review

6/21/2018

Cytomel for Serious Decrease in Thyroid Function

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.

4.7

Patient Review

12/3/2018

Cytomel for Additional Medications to Treat Depression

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.

4.7

Patient Review

10/24/2013

Cytomel for Serious Decrease in Thyroid Function

3.7

Patient Review

8/2/2015

Cytomel for Thyroid Cancer

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.

3.7

Patient Review

7/22/2015

Cytomel for Mild Underactive Thyroid

I have not experienced any negative side effects. I am curious to know, however, if this drug contains aspartame.

3

Patient Review

1/1/2022

Cytomel for Underactive Thyroid

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.

3

Patient Review

12/23/2014

Cytomel for Additional Medications to Treat Depression

I haven't noticed any difference in my mood since starting this treatment.

2.3

Patient Review

12/15/2015

Cytomel for Mild Underactive Thyroid

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.
image of drug pills surrounding a glass of water symbolizing drug consumption

Patient Q&A Section about cytomel

These questions and answers are submitted by anonymous patients, and have not been verified by our internal team.

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."

Answered by AI

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."

Answered by AI

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."

Answered by AI

Is Cytomel the same as levothyroxine?

"What are two medications that can replace thyroid hormones when your levels are low?

Synthroid and Cytomel"

Answered by AI

Clinical Trials for Cytomel

Image of Pediatric Endocrinology at Northwell Health in New Hyde Park, United States.

Vitamin D for Graves' Disease

9 - 17
All Sexes
New Hyde Park, NY

The goal of this randomized pilot feasibility clinical trial is to determine the feasibility of implementing a protocol for a larger trial to assess the effects of high-dose vitamin D supplementation in pediatric patients (9-17 years old) newly diagnosed with Graves' disease. The main questions it aims to answer are: What are the recruitment and adherence rates for a larger trial using this protocol? Is the data collection process complete and robust enough for a larger trial? What are the potential barriers to implementing a larger-scale trial? Researchers will compare vitamin D supplementation plus standard methimazole therapy to methimazole therapy alone (with participants permitted to take up to 1000 International Units of vitamin D2 daily) to explore potential effects on thyroid hormone and antibody levels. Participants will: Be randomized to either the intervention or control group. Take study medications (vitamin D or placebo) as directed. Attend regular study visits for blood tests and clinical assessments. Complete medication logs.

Phase 2
Recruiting

Pediatric Endocrinology at Northwell Health

Sharon Hyman, MD

Image of Cleveland Clinic in Cleveland, United States.

Gluten Free Diet for Hashimoto's Disease

Any Age
All Sexes
Cleveland, OH

Hashimoto's thyroiditis is an autoimmune condition that reduces functioning of the thyroid gland and can lead to a substantial decline in quality of life for patients, with impacted patients often describing unremitting brain fog, fatigue/malaise and weight gain leading to difficulty functioning in their jobs and homes. It is the most common cause of hypothyroidism in the U.S. and affects up to 10% of the global population. The typical treatment for Hashimoto's is thyroid hormone replacement with medications such as levothyroxine. However, despite adequate treatment as defined by thyroid hormone levels within the reference range, up to 10% of patients will experience persisting symptoms which can dramatically impair quality of life. While various theories have been postulated for the residual symptoms, several studies indicate that they are related to the thyroid autoimmunity, specifically the autoantibodies that are made by the immune system in Hashimoto's thyroiditis in response to the thyroid (ie thyroid peroxidase \[TPO\], thyroglobulin \[Tg\] antibody \[AB\]) and the associated inflammation with the immune response. Removal of thyroid (ie total thyroidectomy) reduces levels of these thyroid antibodies and results in significant improvement in quality-of-life. However, thyroidectomy is an invasive procedure with potential for morbidity such as damage to the recurrent laryngeal (nerve that controls the vocal cords and thus speech), bleeding and infection, so there is interest in other more conservative modalities for lowering the inflammation and autoimmune burden in Hashimoto's thyroiditis. In an effort to identify a less invasive approach for reducing the levels of thyroid antibodies and inflammation, attention has moved to the intersection of Hashimoto's thyroiditis and the gut. Hashimoto's has a strong association with autoimmune disorders impacting the gastrointestinal tract, in particular celiac disease and non-celiac gluten sensitivity (NCGS). NCGS is a condition where there are intestinal and extra-intestinal symptoms associated the consumption of gluten but no presence of anti-tissue transglutaminase antibodies (anti-tTG) which define Celiac Disease. This connection between Hashimoto's thyroiditis and sensitivity to gluten appears to be not only genetic, as those with Celiac Disease/NCGS and Hashimoto's thyroiditis have common HLA haplotypes, but also at the level of the intestine with gut microbiome dysfunction.

Recruiting
Has No Placebo

Cleveland Clinic

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Image of Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center in Washington, United States.

Decision Aid for Thyroid Cancer

18+
All Sexes
Washington, United States

The goal of this study is to learn if a decision aid (DA) website helps people with thyroid cancer make informed decisions about radioactive iodine (RAI) treatment. The main questions it aims to answer are: - Does the decision aid help participants understand the risks and benefits of RAI treatment? - Does it help participants make choices that reflect what matters most to them? - How does the decision aid compare to usual care in supporting patients through this decision? Participants who have been recently diagnosed with intermediate-risk differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC) will be randomly assigned to one of two groups. One group will receive a special decision aid website. This site includes detailed information about RAI, short videos, drop-down menus with extra details, exercises to help clarify values, and tools to help patients prepare questions for their doctor. The other group will receive the American Cancer Society (ACS) website. This site gives basic information about RAI but does not include interactive tools and is not specific to intermediate-risk thyroid cancer. Follow up surveys will be sent to the participants periodically, first at the start of the study, and again at 1 week, 4 weeks, and 6 months later. Researchers will compare how the two groups differ in making informed decisions. The decision aid is meant to support, not replace, a conversation with the medical team. Doctor recommendations remain an important part of treatment decisions.

Recruiting
Has No Placebo

Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center (+4 Sites)

Image of University of California, San Francisco in San Francisco, United States.

I-124 PET/CT for Thyroid Cancer

18+
All Sexes
San Francisco, CA

Persons diagnosed with thyroid cancer are often treated initially with a thyroidectomy, which is followed by ablation using Iodine-131, a therapy which has been shown to be effective and safe. Imaging of metastatic thyroid cancer has been performed with whole body I-131 and Iodine 123 (I-123) imaging for many decades and use I-123 for staging studies. Iodine 124 (I-124) is a radioisotope of iodine which emits a positron and is imaged using PET (positron emission tomography). This is a single arm prospective trial that evaluates the ability of Iodine-124 (I-124) to detect metastatic thyroid cancer compared to non-interventional, usual care I-123 and I-131 images.

Phase 2
Recruiting

University of California, San Francisco

Thomas Hope, MD

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Novel Treatments for Hypothyroidism

18+
All Sexes
Farmington, CT

Hypothyroidism is a common condition, more frequent in females, associated with excess of cardiovascular risk and poor quality of life not completely abrogated by treatment with levothyroxine. There is an unmet need to define a safe, effective, and feasible regimen to be applied in large trials aimed at assessing levothyroxine/liothyronine combination therapy in patients living with hypothyroidism. To address this knowledge gap we propose a randomized, three-arm, double-blind, controlled, escalating dose parallel pilot study whose results will lay the foundation of large multicenter trial(s) able to demonstrate the effectiveness (or lack thereof) of levothyroxine/liothyronine combination therapy.

Phase 2 & 3
Recruiting

UConn Health

Francesco Celi

Image of Columbia University Irving Medical Center in New York, United States.

Brodalumab for Cancer Immunotherapy Side Effects

18+
All Sexes
New York, NY

The purpose of this study is to test the safety and effectiveness of using brodalumab in patients who develop side effects from cancer immune therapy. Immune-related side effects are due to activation of the immune system in patients who previously received immunotherapy and the goal of this study is to help better control these side effects. Brodalumab is often used to treat patients with autoimmune diseases (diseases where the immune system is activated against normal organs) and safe doses and treatment schedules have been determined in these patients. Immune-related side effects appear to closely mirror these autoimmune conditions. Brodalumab has not been approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for use in immunotherapy side effects but it has been approved for treatment of autoimmune conditions.

Phase 1
Recruiting

Columbia University Irving Medical Center

Brian Henick, MD

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We made a collection of clinical trials featuring Cytomel, we think they might fit your search criteria.
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