Cytomel

The starting adult dose of Cytomel (Liothyronine) to treat hypothyroidism is 25 µg daily. Based on the results of laboratory tests to determine the amount of thyroid hormone in your blood, your doctor will increase your dose of Cytomel (Liothyronine) gradually, every 1 to 2 weeks until an appropriate level of thyroid hormone is available in the bloodstream. Do not change the way you take Cytomel (Liothyronine) without consulting your doctor.

The starting dose of Cytomel (Liothyronine) for children when treating hypothyroidism is 5 µg daily, which will be increased every 3 to 4 days until an appropriate response occurs.

The starting adult dose of Cytomel (Liothyronine) to treat goiter or myxedema is 5 µg daily. Again, based on blood tests, your doctor will gradually increase your dose of Cytomel (Liothyronine) every 1 to 2 weeks until an appropriate response occurs.

Many things can affect the dose of medication that a person needs, such as body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. If your doctor has recommended a dose different from the ones given here, do not change the way that you are taking the medication without consulting your doctor.

Cytomel (Liothyronine) is to be taken once daily, usually before breakfast. Replacement thyroid hormone therapy usually needs to be taken for life.

It is important to take Cytomel (Liothyronine) exactly as prescribed by your doctor. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as possible and continue with your regular schedule. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one. If you are not sure what to do after missing a dose, contact your doctor or pharmacist for advice.

Store Cytomel (Liothyronine) at room temperature and protect it from heat, light and moisture. Keep out of reach of children.

Do not dispose of medications in wastewater (e.g. down the sink or in the toilet) or in household garbage. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medications that are no longer needed or have expired.

This product is generally well tolerated and rarely causes adverse effects. When adverse effects do occur, they usually disappear on their own, without further treatment. If you think this medication may be causing adverse effects, talk to your health care professional. He or she can help you to determine whether or not the medication is the source of the problem.

5 µg
Each round, flat-faced, bevelled-edged, compressed white-to-off-white tablet, embossed with "KPI" on one side and "115" on the other side, contains Cytomel (Liothyronine) sodium equivalent to Cytomel (Liothyronine) 5 µg. Nonmedicinal ingredients: calcium sulfate, gelatin, starch, stearic acid, sucrose, and talc.

25 µg
Each round, flat-faced, bevelled-edged, compressed white-to-off-white tablet, embossed with "KPI116" on one side and scored on the other side, contains Cytomel (Liothyronine) sodium equivalent to Cytomel (Liothyronine) 25 µg. Nonmedicinal ingredients: calcium sulfate, gelatin, starch, stearic acid, sucrose, and talc.

Do not take Cytomel (Liothyronine) if you:

• are allergic to Cytomel (Liothyronine) or any ingredients of the medication
• have certain uncorrected problems of the adrenal glands
• have recently had a Heart Attack

There may be an interaction between Cytomel (Liothyronine) and any of the following:

• Amiodarone
• amphetamines (e.g., Dextroamphetamine)
• antacids that contain aluminum or calcium
• antidiabetes medications (e.g., insulin, Glyburide, Metformin)
• birth control pills
• calcium polystyrene
• calcium supplements (e.g., calcium carbonate, calcium citrate)
• Carbamazepine
• Cholestyramine
• ciprofloxacin
• Colesevelam
• Colestipol
• diet pills
• Digoxin
• estrogens (e.g., conjugated estrogen, Estradiol, ethinyl estradiol)
• iron supplements (e.g., ferrous fumarate, ferrous sulphate)
• Methadone
• Phenytoin
• rifampin
• ritonavir
• simethicone
• sodium iodide I131
• sodium polystyrene
• sympathomimetic medications (e.g., Epinephrine, norepinephrine)
• selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs; e.g., Citalopram, Fluoxetine, Paroxetine, Sertraline)
• Tamoxifen
• theophyllines (e.g., Aminophylline, Oxtriphylline, Theophylline)
• tricyclic antidepressants (e.g., Amitriptyline, Imipramine)
• Warfarin

If you are taking any of these medications, speak with your doctor or pharmacist. Depending on your specific circumstances, your doctor may want you to:

• stop taking one of the medications,
• change one of the medications to another,
• change how you are taking one or both of the medications, or
• leave everything as is.

An interaction between two medications does not always mean that you must stop taking one of them. Speak to your doctor about how any drug interactions are being managed or should be managed.

Medications other than those listed above may interact with Cytomel (Liothyronine). Tell your doctor or prescriber about all prescription, over-the-counter (non-prescription), and herbal medications that you are taking. Also tell them about any supplements you take. Since caffeine, alcohol, the Nicotine from cigarettes, or street drugs can affect the action of many medications, you should let your prescriber know if you use them.

Before you begin using a medication, be sure to inform your doctor of any medical conditions or Allergies you may have, any medications you are taking, whether you are pregnant or breast-feeding, and any other significant facts about your health. These factors may affect how you should use Cytomel (Liothyronine).

Bone density: Long term use of thyroid mediations can cause bones to lose thickness. If you have an increased risk for Osteoporosis (bone thinning) or are taking medications that reduce bone thickness (e.g., Prednisone or antiseizure medications), before you start taking Cytomel (Liothyronine), discuss with your doctor how Cytomel (Liothyronine) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Cytomel (Liothyronine), and whether any special monitoring is needed.

Diabetes: Cytomel (Liothyronine) may cause blood sugar to increase and glucose tolerance may change. People with diabetes may find it necessary to monitor their blood sugar more frequently while using Cytomel (Liothyronine).

If you have diabetes or are at risk for developing diabetes, discuss with your doctor how Cytomel (Liothyronine) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Cytomel (Liothyronine), and whether any special monitoring is needed.

Heart disease: Starting Cytomel (Liothyronine) may cause the heart to work harder than it has been used to. This can cause symptoms of Angina or other heart disease to worsen. If you have angina or other heart disease, discuss with your doctor how Cytomel (Liothyronine) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Cytomel (Liothyronine), and whether any special monitoring is needed.

Pregnancy: Cytomel (Liothyronine) does not cross the placenta, therefore it does not directly affect the development of an unborn baby. During pregnancy, your doctor will probably want to do blood tests to make sure the level of thyroid in the blood stream is appropriate. Cytomel (Liothyronine) is safe to use during pregnancy.

Breast-feeding: Cytomel (Liothyronine) passes into breast milk in small amounts. It is important to continue taking thyroid hormone even when you are breast-feeding. Inform your doctor if you are breast-feeding or intending to breast-feed while taking Cytomel (Liothyronine).

Seniors: Older people may be more sensitive to the effects of Cytomel (Liothyronine) and should be watchful for side effects, particularly those involving the heart.

This medication is typically used only once a day. However, your pharmacist may have suggested a different schedule that is more appropriate for you. You should take this medication at approximately the same time each day. Important: Follow the instructions on the label. Do not use more of this product, or more often, than prescribed. It must be used regularly and continuously to maintain its beneficial effects. Be sure to keep an adequate supply on hand. This medication may be taken with or without food.