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Liothyronine (lye oh thye' roe neen)
Other names: Cytomel
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Thyroid hormone should not be used to treat obesity in patients with normal thyroid function. ... Full Alert
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Why is this medication prescribed?

Liothyronine, a thyroid hormone, is used to treat hypothyroidism, a condition where the thyroid gland does not produce enough thyroid hormone. Without this hormone, the body cannot function properly, resulting in poor growth, slow speech, lack of energy, weight gain, hair loss, dry thick skin, and increased sensitivity to cold. When taken correctly, liothyronine reverses these symptoms. Liothyronine is also used to treat goiter (enlarged thyroid gland) and to test for hyperthyroidism (a condition where the thyroid gland produces too much thyroid hormone).

How should this medication be used?

Liothyronine comes as a tablet to take by mouth. It usually is taken as a single dose before breakfast every day. To control the symptoms of hypothyroidism you probably will need to take this medicine for the rest of your life. It may take about 2 weeks before you notice any change in your symptoms. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take liothyronine exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.

Continue to take liothyronine even if you feel well. Do not stop taking liothyronine without talking to your doctor.

Are there other uses for this medicine?

This medication may be prescribed for other conditions; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

  • Cytomel®
Last Revised January 01, 2007
American Society of Health-System Pharmacists
This information being provided is copyrighted by the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc., ASHP, Bethesda, Maryland.
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