Liothyronine Sodium

Hypothyroidism, Hyperthyroidism, euthyroid Goitre + 6 more

Treatment

7 FDA approvals

20 Active Studies for Liothyronine Sodium

What is Liothyronine Sodium

Liothyronine

The Generic name of this drug

Treatment Summary

Liothyronine is a thyroid hormone used to replace or supplement the naturally-occurring hormone made by the thyroid gland. It is composed of a tyrosine molecule with a bound iodine and is the active form of the hormone thyroxine. Liothyronine was developed by King Pharmaceuticals and approved by the FDA in 1956.

Cytomel

is the brand name

image of different drug pills on a surface

Liothyronine Sodium 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 Liothyronine Sodium Affects Patients

Liothyronine works faster than levothyroxine to replace hormones, but its effects don't last as long. Careful evaluation is needed when using this drug since it can cause heart failure if taken too quickly. It usually starts to work a few hours after taking it and reaches its full effect after 2-3 days. Studies have shown that liothyronine produces normal levels of T3 in the body, but doesn't affect T4 levels.

How Liothyronine Sodium works in the body

Liothyronine mimics the effects of the thyroid hormone. It works by binding to the receptors in our DNA and stimulating protein and DNA production. It increases energy, helps cells burn quickly, helps mature and grow body tissues, aids in nervous system development, and boosts carbohydrate and protein metabolism.

When to interrupt dosage

The suggested measure of Liothyronine Sodium is contingent upon the diagnosed condition, including suppression test, Thyroid Gland and Comatose. The quantity of dosage can be found in the table below, dependent upon the technique of delivery (e.g. Intravenous or Oral).

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

Liothyronine Sodium Contraindications

Condition

Risk Level

Notes

Adrenal Insufficiency

Do Not Combine

Thyrotoxicosis

Do Not Combine

There are 20 known major drug interactions with Liothyronine Sodium.

Common Liothyronine Sodium 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.

Liothyronine Sodium Toxicity & Overdose Risk

The highest toxic dose of liothyronine in rats has been found to be greater than 4540mg/kg. Overdosing on liothyronine can cause signs of hyperthyroidism as well as confusion, disorientation, stroke-like symptoms, seizures, shock, coma, and death. These symptoms may appear soon after the overdose or several days later. If an overdose occurs, the liothyronine dose should be reduced and supportive treatments should be given. There is no evidence that liothyronine has any effect on fertility or can cause cancer or genetic mutations.

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

Liothyronine Sodium Novel Uses: Which Conditions Have a Clinical Trial Featuring Liothyronine Sodium?

45 active clinical trials are currently investigating the potential of Liothyronine Sodium to treat Hyperthyroidism, myxedema pre-coma and perform Suppression Tests.

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

Liothyronine Sodium Reviews: What are patients saying about Liothyronine Sodium?

5

Patient Review

5/11/2017

Liothyronine Sodium for Mild Underactive Thyroid

I'm seeing some benefits, like more energy. But I can't sleep now and then I feel exhausted in the morning. Another issue is that I have almost no appetite, which would be good except I forget to eat. Hair loss is also a big problem for me; it's everywhere and I'm constantly having to pull it off of things. Not sure if the pros are worth the cons at this point.

4.7

Patient Review

12/29/2014

Liothyronine Sodium for Mild Underactive Thyroid

This medication provides me with the energy I need. However, since starting it my blood pressure has been through the roof. I'm going to try to go off of it for a bit and see if that helps normalize things.

4.7

Patient Review

7/27/2014

Liothyronine Sodium for T3 Suppression for Thyroid Function Test

Despite taking levothyroxin for a while, my thyroid levels were still off. I started this medication four months ago in order to help with that, however, I've found myself incredibly fatigued and now my sleep is easily disrupted. My hair and skin have also become dry since starting the drug.

4

Patient Review

8/30/2018

Liothyronine Sodium for Mild Underactive Thyroid

Liothyronine has been effective for me with few to no side-effects. Additionally, it's improved my lab results significantly. The only problem I have is that some of the generic versions don't seem to work as well; I can tell when I'm taking one of those because my body feels more sluggish.

3

Patient Review

9/22/2016

Liothyronine Sodium for Mild Underactive Thyroid

Unfortunately, I'm allergic to this medication and had to stop taking it after only 12 days. I broke out in hives all over my body, which was incredibly uncomfortable.

2.7

Patient Review

5/16/2014

Liothyronine Sodium for Mild Underactive Thyroid

I experienced some pretty severe side effects from this medication, including headaches, dizziness, and heart palpitations. I also had a lot of trouble sleeping.

2.7

Patient Review

2/13/2017

Liothyronine Sodium for Mild Underactive Thyroid

I've been experiencing some really troubling side effects since starting this medication. I'm gaining weight, losing hair, and having difficulty sleeping at night. Additionally, I feel a lot of pressure in my chest when walking and often feel bloated. I stopped taking the medication for a couple weeks, but went back on it today because my test results came back and the numbers had gone in the wrong direction. I'll be seeing my regular doctor on Monday and am also making an appointment with a gastroenterologist for November.

2

Patient Review

6/7/2014

Liothyronine Sodium for Serious Decrease in Thyroid Function

I've only been on this medication for three weeks, but I've already noticed some pretty severe side effects. Most notably, my weight has increased significantly and I'm constantly feeling depressed. Additionally, it's been difficult to sleep and I'm usually exhausted during the day.

2

Patient Review

7/19/2014

Liothyronine Sodium for T3 Suppression for Thyroid Function Test

I developed a horrible itchy rash on my upper body. My heart rate, pulse and blood pressure were all increased. I also felt like I couldn't take a deep breath.

2

Patient Review

9/10/2013

Liothyronine Sodium for Mild Underactive Thyroid

1.7

Patient Review

12/15/2013

Liothyronine Sodium for Mild Underactive Thyroid

I was given this medication by my psychiatrist to help with concentration and fatigue, but I haven't experienced any benefits at all.

1

Patient Review

8/9/2017

Liothyronine Sodium for Mild Underactive Thyroid

I have been taking 5 MCG of Liothyronine and 25MCG of Levothyroxine for my underactive thyroid for 3 months. I have had extreme hair loss, am very fatigued, have had brain fog, stomach bloat and brittle nails. My blood pressure has gone up 20 points. I just had another blood test to check my levels and am waiting for the results. I am not sure if these symptoms are supposed to level out but I feel so much worse since taking this medication. I cannot wait to talk to my doctor.
image of drug pills surrounding a glass of water symbolizing drug consumption

Patient Q&A Section about liothyronine sodium

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

What is Liothyronine sodium used for?

"Liothyronine is a medication used to treat hypothyroidism, a condition where the thyroid gland does not produce enough thyroid hormone. It can also help decrease the size of an enlarged thyroid gland (goiter) and treat thyroid cancer."

Answered by AI

Does liothyronine cause weight gain?

"LT3 is more effective than LT4 at causing weight loss in older adults with subclinical hypothyroidism, according to a study presented at ENDO 2021."

Answered by AI

What are the side effects of taking T3?

"The text describes symptoms which may be indicative of a heart attack, such as weakness or shallow breathing, confusion, feeling cold, changes in weight or appetite, chest pressure, lightheadedness, severe headaches, and dizziness."

Answered by AI

When should I take Liothyronine sodium?

"Swallow the medication whole with plenty of water. You should take it on an empty stomach, at least 30 minutes before or 2 hours after eating. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Take the medication at the same time each day."

Answered by AI

Clinical Trials for Liothyronine Sodium

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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177Lu-DOTA-EB-TATE for Thyroid Cancer

18 - 100
All Sexes
Bethesda, MD

Background: Oncocytic (Hurthle cell) thyroid cancer (HTC) is a rare disease with few treatment options. Researchers are developing a radioactive drug that targets a protein that appears in high numbers on HTC cancer cells. Objective: To test a radioactive drug (177LuDOTA-EB-TATE) in people with HTC. Eligibility: People aged 18 years and older with HTC. The HTC must have failed to respond to conventional radioactive treatment; it must also have spread to other parts of the body. Design: Participants will be screened. They will have a physical exam with blood tests. They will have imaging scans and a test of their heart function. 177LuDOTA-EB-TATE is infused into a vein. Participants will receive 4 infusions spaced 8 to 12 weeks apart. They will stay in the hospital for 4 to 10 days after each infusion. During and after each infusion, participants will remain in a lead-lined room until their radiation levels go down; this usually takes about 24 hours. Participants will have 4 to 6 follow-up visits in the weeks after each infusion. Procedures will vary at each visit, but may include more imaging scans; blood and urine tests; and tests of heart function. Participants will have 2 single-photon emission computerized tomography (SPECT) scans. SPECT scans show where the study drug is sticking to tumors or maybe other parts of their body. They will lie on a table while a machine rotates around them. Participants will fill in questionnaires about how their thyroid condition affects their life. Participants will have follow-ups visits for 5 years after their last study treatment.

Phase 1 & 2
Waitlist Available

National Institutes of Health Clinical Center

Joanna Klubo-Gwiezdzinska, M.D.

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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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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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