Cytomel (T3)

Thyroid hormone drugs are natural or synthetic preparations containing tetraiodothyronine (T4, levothyroxine) sodium or triiodothyronine (T3, liothyronine) sodium or both. T4 and T3 are produced in the human thyroid gland by the iodination and coupling of the amino acid tyrosine. T4 contains four iodine atoms and is formed by the coupling of two molecules of diiodotyrosine (DIT). T3 contains three atoms of iodine and is formed by the coupling of one molecule of DIT with one molecule of monoiodotyrosine (MIT). Both hormones are stored in the thyroid colloid as thyroglobulin.

Thyroid hormone preparations belong to two categories: (1) natural hormonal preparations derived from animal thyroid, and (2) synthetic preparations. Natural preparations include desiccated thyroid and thyroglobulin. Desiccated thyroid is derived from domesticated animals that are used for food by man (either beef or hog thyroid), and thyroglobulin is derived from thyroid glands of the hog. The United States Pharmacopeia (USP) has standardized the total iodine content of natural preparations. Thyroid USP contains not less than (NLT) 0.17 percent and not more than (NMT) 0.23 percent iodine, and thyroglobulin contains not less than (NLT) 0.7 percent of organically bound iodine. Iodine content is only an indirect indicator of true hormonal biologic activity.

Cytomel (liothyronine sodium) Tablets contain liothyronine (L-triiodothyronine or LT3), a synthetic form of a natural thyroid hormone, and is available as the sodium salt.

Cytomel (liothyronine) is a prescription medication used to treat various thyroid conditions. Here’s some information about it:

What is Cytomel used for?

• Treating hypothyroidism: This is the most common use for Cytomel. It replaces or provides more thyroid hormone when your body doesn’t produce enough naturally.
• Treating certain types of goiter: A goiter is an enlarged thyroid gland. Cytomel can help shrink the goiter in some cases.
• Testing thyroid function: Doctors sometimes use Cytomel in diagnostic tests to assess your thyroid gland’s function.
• Treating thyroid cancer: In specific cases, Cytomel may be used as part of thyroid cancer treatment.

How does Cytomel work?

Cytomel is a synthetic version of the thyroid hormone T3. When your body doesn’t produce enough T3 on its own, Cytomel helps regulate metabolism, body temperature, heart rate, and other vital functions.

Important things to know about Cytomel:

• It’s a prescription medication: You cannot buy Cytomel without a doctor’s prescription.
• Dosage is crucial: The correct dosage of Cytomel is critical for your health. Taking too much can lead to serious side effects like anxiety, tremors, heart problems, and osteoporosis. Too little won’t effectively treat your condition.
• Regular monitoring is necessary: Your doctor will need to monitor your thyroid hormone levels regularly while you’re taking Cytomel.
• Interactions with other medications: Cytomel can interact with other medications you’re taking. Inform your doctor about all your medications, including over-the-counter drugs and supplements.
• Not for weight loss: Cytomel is not intended for weight loss and can be dangerous if misused for this purpose.

CYTOMEL tablets contain liothyronine sodium equivalent to liothyronine in 5 mcg, 25 mcg, and 50 mcg. Inactive ingredients consist of calcium sulfate, corn starch, gelatin, stearic acid, sucrose and talc.

How to use Cytomel. Take this medication by mouth with or without food as directed by your doctor, usually once daily. It is best to take it at the same time each day so your thyroid hormone level is kept at a constant level. Take this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it.