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Printable Version Cytomel Tablets

Active Ingredients: Liothyronine
Other Names: Cytomel Tablets
Drug Class: Synthetic Thyroid Hormones
Rx Status: Available by prescription only
Generic Available: No
Product Images & Descriptions:

What is/are Cytomel Tablets?
What should I tell my health care providers before I take this medicine?
How should I use this medicine?
What if I miss a dose?
What may interact with this medicine?
What side effects may I notice from this medicine?
What should I watch for while using this medicine?
Where should I keep this medicine?

What is/are Cytomel Tablets? (Back to top)
LIOTHYRONINE is a thyroid hormone. This medicine can improve symptoms of thyroid deficiency such as slow speech, lack of energy, weight gain, hair loss, dry skin, and feeling cold. It also helps to treat goiter (an enlarged thyroid gland). This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.


What should I tell my health care providers before I take this medicine? (Back to top)
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

  • angina
  • diabetes
  • dieting or on a weight loss program
  • fertility problems
  • heart disease
  • high levels of thyroid hormone
  • pituitary gland problem
  • previous heart attack
  • an unusual or allergic reaction to liothyronine, thyroid hormones, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
  • pregnant or trying to get pregnant
  • breast-feeding

How should I use this medicine? (Back to top)
Take this medicine by mouth with plenty of water. It is best to take on an empty stomach, at least 30 minutes before or 2 hours after food. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Take at the same time each day. Do not take your medicine more often than directed.

Contact your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. While this drug may be prescribed for children and infants as young as a few days of age for selected conditions, precautions do apply.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

Note: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.


What if I miss a dose? (Back to top)
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.


What may interact with this medicine? (Back to top)

  • amiodarone
  • antacids
  • anti-thyroid medicines
  • calcium supplements
  • carbamazepine
  • cholestyramine
  • colestipol
  • digoxin
  • female hormones, including contraceptive or birth control pills
  • iron supplements
  • ketamine
  • liquid nutrition products like Ensure
  • medicines for colds and breathing difficulties
  • medicines for diabetes
  • medicines for mental depression
  • medicines or herbals used to decrease weight or appetite
  • phenobarbital or other barbiturate medications
  • phenytoin
  • prednisone or other corticosteroids
  • rifabutin
  • rifampin
  • soy isoflavones
  • sucralfate
  • theophylline
  • warfarin

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care providers a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.


What side effects may I notice from this medicine? (Back to top)
Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

  • difficulty breathing, wheezing, or shortness of breath
  • chest pain
  • excessive sweating or intolerance to heat
  • fast or irregular heartbeat
  • nervousness
  • skin rash or hives
  • swelling of ankles, feet, or legs
  • tremors

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
  • changes in appetite
  • changes in menstrual periods
  • diarrhea
  • hair loss
  • headache
  • nausea, vomiting
  • tiredness
  • trouble sleeping
  • weight loss

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.


What should I watch for while using this medicine? (Back to top)
You will need regular exams and occasional blood tests to check the response to treatment. If you receive this medicine for an underactive thyroid, it may be several weeks before you notice an improvement. Check with your doctor or health care professional if your symptoms do not improve.

It may be necessary for you to take this medicine for the rest of your life. Do not stop using this medicine unless your doctor or health care professional advises you to.

This medicine can affect blood sugar levels. If you have diabetes, check your blood sugar as directed.

If you are going to have surgery, tell your doctor or health care professional that you are taking this medicine.


Where should I keep this medicine? (Back to top)
Keep out of the reach of children.

Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Protect from light and moisture. Keep container tightly closed. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.

NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.


Last Updated:June 05, 2006

COPYRIGHT© Gold Standard, An Elsevier Company


Note: The above information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist, or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed to indicate that the use of the product is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Consult your healthcare professional before taking the product.

  Additional Information

  Check Drug Interactions with Cytomel Tablets

  Learn how Cytomel Tablets is/are used to treat:
  • Hypothyroidism

      Test Yourself! If you currently take Cytomel Tablets, do you know everything that you need to know?

      Make your own printable Medication / Emergency Contact Card



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