About
Thyroid is a brand name for the drug liothyronine sodium - a thyroid hormone. It is used medically to treat cases of thyroid insufficiency, obesity, certain metabolic disorders and fatigue. Specifically this drug is a pharmaceutical preparation of the natural thyroid hormone triiodothyronine (T-3). When administered, Thyroid increases the patient's metabolism. The result is an increased rate of cellular activity (noted by a more rapid utilization of carbohydrates, fats and proteins).
Usage of Thyroid
- Take Cytomel by mouth with or without food.
- Cytomel works best if it is taken at the same time each day.
- Take Cytomel at least 4 hours apart from calcium salts (eg, calcium carbonate), cholestyramine, or sucralfate.
- Continuous use of Cytomel for a few weeks may be necessary to relieve symptoms of your condition.
- If you miss a dose of Cytomel , take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.
Dosing of Thyroid
Mild Hypothyroidism: Recommended standing dosage is 25 mcg daily. Daily dosage then may be increased by up to 25 mcg every 1 or 2 weeks. Usual maintenance dose is 25 to 75 mcg daily.
Myxedema: Recommended starting dosage is 5 mcg daily. This may be increased by 5 to 10 mcg daily every 1 or 2 weeks. When 25 mcg daily is reached dosage may be increased by 5 to 25 mcg every 1 or 2 weeks until a satisfactory therapeutic response is attained. Usual maintenance dose is 50 to 100 mcg daily.
Congenital Hypothyroidism: Recommended starting dosage is 5 mcg daily, with a 5 mcg increment every 3 to 4 days until the desired response is achieved. Infants a few months old may require only 20 mcg daily for maintenance. At 1 year 50 mcg daily may be required. Above 3 years, full adult dosage may be necessary
Side Effects
If you experience any of the following serious side effects, stop taking liothyronine and seek emergency medical attention or contact your doctor immediately:
-
an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of the throat; swelling of the lips, tongue, or face; or hives);
-
vomiting; or
-
chest pain, irregular heartbeat, or shortness of breath.
Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to take liothyronine and talk to your doctor or try another similar medication if you experience:
-
tremor, nervousness, or irritability;
-
headache;
-
insomnia;
-
diarrhea, changes in appetite, or weight loss;
-
leg cramps;
-
menstrual irregularities; or
-
fever, sweating, or heat sensitivity.
Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.
