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cytomel

Cytomel (Liothyronine Sodium) is a l-triiodothyronine used to treat Goiter, Myxedema, Thyroid Neoplasms, Autoimmune Thyroiditis.

Liothyronine Sodium · by King Pharms LLC

Available as a generic: Liothyronine Sodium

Not yet rated· sourced from the FDA label
Rated against independent regulatory sources·Last updated June 7, 2026·How we rate
Verified againstopenFDANIH DailyMedRxClass

Key facts

Active ingredient
Liothyronine Sodium
Form
Tablet
Strength
Liothyronine Sodium EQ 0.005MG Base · Liothyronine Sodium EQ 0.025MG Base · Liothyronine Sodium EQ 0.05MG Base
Type
Prescription (Rx)
Brand or generic
Brand-name
Manufacturer
King Pharms LLC
Half-life
about 2-1/2 days (the label's "biological half-life") (how long it stays in your system)
FDA application
NDA010379

What is Cytomel?

From the FDA label:Liothyronine sodium tablets contain the active ingredient, liothyronine (L-triiodothyronine or LT 3 ), a synthetic form of a thyroid hormone liothyronine in sodium salt form. It is chemically designated as L-Tyrosine, O -(4-hydroxy-3-iodophenyl)-3,5-diiodo-, monosodium salt. The molecular formula, molecular weight and structural formula of liothyronine sodium are given below. C 15 H 11 I 3 NNaO 4 M.W.672.96 Liothyronine sodium 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. Chemical Structure

How to use

Administer liothyronine sodium orally once daily and individual dosage according to patient response and laboratory findings ( 2.1 ) • See full prescribing information for recommended dosage for hypothyroidism ( 2.2 ) TSH suppression in well-differentiated thyroid cancer ( 2.3 ) and for thyroid suppression test ( 2.4 ) • When switching a patient to liothyronine sodium, discontinue levothyroxine therapy and initiate liothyronine sodium at a low dosage. Gradually increase the dose according to the patient's response ( 2.5 ) • Adequacy of therapy determined with periodic monitoring of TSH and T3 levels as well as clinical status ( 2.6 ) 2.1 General Principles of Dosing The dose of liothyronine sodium for hypothyroidism or pituitary TSH suppression depends on a variety of factors including: the patient's age, body weight, cardiovascular status, concomitant medical conditions (including pregnancy), concomitant medications, co-administered food and the specific nature of the condition being treated [see Dosage and Administration (2.2 , 2.3 , 2.4 ), Warnings and Precautions (5) , and Drug Interactions (7) ] . Dosing must be individualized to account for these factors and dose adjustments made based on periodic assessment of the patient's clinical response and laboratory parameters [see Dosage and Administration (2.4) ] . Administer liothyronine sodium tablets orally once daily. 2.2…

Side effects

Adverse reactions associated with liothyronine sodium therapy are primarily those of hyperthyroidism due to therapeutic overdosage [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4) and Overdosage (10) ] . They include the following: General : fatigue, increased appetite, weight loss, heat intolerance, fever, excessive sweating Central nervous system : headache, hyperactivity, nervousness, anxiety, irritability, emotional lability, insomnia Musculoskeletal : tremors, muscle weakness and cramps Cardiovascular : palpitations, tachycardia, arrhythmias, increased pulse and blood pressure, heart failure, angina, myocardial infarction, cardiac arrest Respiratory : dyspnea Gastrointestinal : diarrhea, vomiting, abdominal cramps, elevations in liver function tests Dermatologic : hair loss, flushing Endocrine : decreased bone mineral density Reproductive : menstrual irregularities, impaired fertility Most common adverse reactions for liothyronine sodium are primarily those of hyperthyroidism due to therapeutic overdosage: arrhythmias, myocardial infarction, dyspnea, headache, nervousness, irritability, insomnia, tremors, muscle weakness, increased appetite, weight loss, diarrhea, heat intolerance, menstrual irregularities, and skin rash ( 6 ) To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Viatris at 1-877-446-3679 (1-877-4-INFO-RX) or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch . Adverse Reactions…

FDA Boxed Warning (the FDA’s most serious warning)

Boxed (black-box) warning — from the FDA label

NOT FOR TREATMENT OF OBESITY OR FOR WEIGHT LOSS • Thyroid hormones, including LIOTHYRONINE SODIUM, either alone or with other therapeutic agents, should not be used for the treatment of obesity or for weight loss. • In euthyroid patients, doses within the range of daily hormonal requirements are ineffective for weight reduction. • Larger doses may produce serious or even life-threatening manifestations of toxicity, particularly when given in association with sympathomimetic amines such as those used for their anorectic effects [see Adverse Reactions (6) , Drug Interactions (7.7) , and Overdosage (10) ] . WARNING: NOT FOR TREATMENT OF OBESITY OR FOR WEIGHT LOSS See full prescribing information for complete boxed warning. • Thyroid hormones, including liothyronine sodium, should not be used for the treatment of obesity or for weight loss. • Doses beyond the range of daily hormonal requirements may produce serious or even life-threatening manifestations of toxicity ( 6 , 7.7 , 10 ).

Warnings

Important safety information

Cardiac adverse reactions in the elderly and in patients with underlying cardiovascular disease: Initiate liothyronine sodium at less than the full replacement dose because of the increased risk of cardiac adverse reactions, including atrial fibrillation ( 2.3 , 5.1 , 8.5 ) • Myxedema coma: Do not use oral thyroid hormone drug products to treat myxedema coma ( 5.2 ) • Acute adrenal crisis in patients with concomitant adrenal insufficiency: Treat with replacement glucocorticoids prior to initiation of liothyronine sodium treatment ( 5.3 ) • Prevention of hyperthyroidism or incomplete treatment of hypothyroidism: Proper dose titration and careful monitoring is critical to prevent the persistence of hypothyroidism or the development of hyperthyroidism ( 5.4 ) • Worsening of diabetic control: Therapy in patients with diabetes mellitus may worsen glycemic control and result in increased antidiabetic agent or insulin requirements. Carefully monitor glycemic control after starting, changing, or discontinuing thyroid hormone therapy ( 5.5 ) • Decreased bone mineral density associated with thyroid hormone over-replacement: Over-replacement can increase bone resorption and decrease bone mineral density. Give the lowest effective dose ( 5.6 ) 5.1 Cardiac Adverse Reactions in the Elderly and in Patients with Underlying Cardiovascular Disease Overtreatment with thyroid hormone may cause an increase in heart rate, cardiac wall thickness, and cardiac contractility and may precipitate angina or arrhythmias, particularly in patients with cardiovascular disease and in elderly patients. Initiate liothyronine sodium therapy in this population at lower doses than those recommended in younger individuals or in patients without cardiac disease [see Dosage and Administration (2.3) and Use in Specific Populations (8.5) ]. Monitor for cardiac arrhythmias during surgical procedures in patients with coronary artery disease receiving suppressive liothyronine sodium therapy. Monitor patients receiving concomitant liothyronine sodium and sympathomimetic agents for signs and symptoms of coronary insufficiency. If cardiovascular symptoms develop or worsen, reduce or withhold the liothyronine sodium dose for one week and restart at a lower dose. 5.2 Myxedema Coma Myxedema coma is a life-threatening emergency characterized by poor circulation and hypometabolism, and may result in unpredictable absorption of thyroid hormone from the gastrointestinal tract. Use of oral thyroid hormone drug products is not recommended to treat myxedema coma. Administer thyroid hormone products formulated for intravenous administration to treat myxedema coma. 5.3 Acute Adrenal Crisis in Patients with Concomitant Adrenal Insufficiency Thyroid hormone increases metabolic clearance of glucocorticoids. Initiation of thyroid hormone therapy prior to initiating glucocorticoid therapy may precipitate an acute adrenal crisis in patients with adrenal insufficiency. Treat patients with adrenal insufficiency with replacement glucocorticoids prior to initiating treatment with liothyronine sodium [see Contraindications (4) ]. 5.4 Prevention of Hyperthyroidism or Incomplete Treatment of Hypothyroidism Liothyronine sodium has a narrow therapeutic index. Over- or undertreatment with liothyronine sodium may have negative effects on growth and development, cardiovascular function, bone metabolism, reproductive function, cognitive function, emotional state, gastrointestinal function, and on glucose and lipid metabolism. Titrate the dose of liothyronine sodium carefully and monitor response to titration to avoid these effects [see Dosage and Administration (2.4) ]. Monitor for the presence of drug or food interactions when using liothyronine sodium and adjust the dose as necessary [see Drug Interactions (7) and Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ]. 5.5 Worsening of Diabetic Control Addition of thyroid hormone therapy in patients with diabetes mellitus may worsen glycemic control and result in increased antidiabetic agent or insulin requirements. Carefully monitor glycemic control after starting, changing, or discontinuing liothyronine sodium [see Drug Interactions (7.2) ]. 5.6 Decreased Bone Mineral Density Associated with Thyroid Hormone Over-Replacement Increased bone resorption and decreased bone mineral density may occur as a result of thyroid hormone over-replacement, particularly in post-menopausal women. The increased bone resorption may be associated with increased serum levels and urinary excretion of calcium and phosphorous, elevations in bone alkaline phosphatase, and suppressed serum parathyroid hormone levels. Administer the minimum dose of liothyronine sodium that achieves the desired clinical and biochemical response to mitigate against this risk.

Who should not take Cytomel

Liothyronine sodium is contraindicated in patients with uncorrected adrenal insufficiency [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3) ] . Uncorrected adrenal cortical insufficiency ( 4 )

Overdose — what happens if you take too much

The signs and symptoms of overdosage are those of hyperthyroidism [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4) and Adverse Reactions (6) ] . In addition, confusion and disorientation may occur. Cerebral embolism, seizure, shock, coma, and death have been reported. Symptoms may not necessarily be evident or may not appear until several days after ingestion. Reduce the liothyronine sodium dose or temporarily discontinued if signs or symptoms of overdosage occur. Initiate appropriate supportive treatment as dictated by the patient's medical status. For current information on the management of poisoning or overdosage, contact the National Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222 or www.poison.org .

U.S. Poison Control: call or text 1-800-222-1222 (free, 24/7). In an emergency call 911. From the FDA label; not medical advice.

Interactions

See full prescribing information for drugs that affect thyroid hormone pharmacokinetics and metabolism (e.g., absorption, synthesis, secretion, catabolism, protein binding, and target tissue response) and may alter the therapeutic response to liothyronine sodium ( 7 ) 7.1 Drugs Known to Affect Thyroid Hormone Pharmacokinetics Many drugs can exert effects on thyroid hormone pharmacokinetics (e.g. absorption, synthesis, secretion, catabolism, protein binding, and target tissue response) and may alter the therapeutic response to liothyronine sodium (see Tables 1 – 4). Table 1: Drugs That May Decrease T3 Absorption (Hypothyroidism) Potential impact: Concurrent use may reduce the efficacy of liothyronine sodium by binding and delaying or preventing absorption, potentially resulting in hypothyroidism. Drug or Drug Class Effect Bile Acid Sequestrants -Colesevelam -Cholestyramine -Colestipol Ion Exchange Resins -Kayexalate -Sevelamer Bile acid sequestrants and ion exchange resins are known to decrease thyroid hormones absorption. Administer liothyronine sodium at least 4 hours prior to these drugs or monitor TSH levels. Table 2: Drugs That May Alter Triiodothyronine (T3) Serum Transport Without Affecting Free Thyroxine (FT4) Concentration (Euthyroidism) Drug or Drug Class Effect Clofibrate Estrogen-containing oral contraceptives Estrogens (oral) Heroin/Methadone 5-Fluorouracil Mitotane Tamoxifen These drugs may increase serum thyroxine-binding globulin (TBG) concentration. Androgens/Anabolic Steroids Asparaginase Glucocorticoids Slow-Release Nicotinic Acid These drugs may decrease serum TBG concentration. Salicylates (>2 g/day) Salicylates inhibit binding of T4 and T3 to TBG and transthyretin. An initial increase in serum FT4 is followed by return of FT4 to normal levels with sustained therapeutic serum salicylate concentrations, although total T4 levels may decrease by as much as 30%. Other drugs: Carbamazepine Furosemide (>80 mg IV) Heparin Hydantoins Non-Steroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs Fenamates These drugs may cause protein binding site displacement. Furosemide has been shown to inhibit the protein binding of T4 to TBG and albumin, causing an increased free-T4 fraction in serum. Furosemide competes for T4-binding sites on TBG, prealbumin, and albumin, so that a single high dose can acutely lower the total T4 level. Phenytoin and carbamazepine reduce serum protein binding of thyroid hormones, and total and FT4 may be reduced by 20% to 40%, but most patients have normal serum TSH levels and are clinically euthyroid. Closely monitor thyroid hormone parameters. Table 3: Drugs That May Alter Hepatic Metabolism of Thyroid hormones Potential impact: Stimulation of hepatic microsomal drug-metabolizing enzyme activity may cause increased hepatic degradation of thyroid hormones, resulting in increased liothyronine sodium requirements. Drug or Drug Class Effect Phenobarbital Rifampin Phenobarbital has been shown to reduce the response to thyroxine. Phenobarbital increases L-thyroxine metabolism by inducing uridine 5'-diphospho-glucuronosyltransferase (UGT) and leads to a lower T4 serum levels. Changes in thyroid status may occur if barbiturates are added or withdrawn from patients being treated for hypothyroidism. Rifampin has been shown to accelerate the metabolism of thyroid hormones. Table 4: Drugs That May Decrease Conversion of T4 to T3 Potential impact: Administration of these enzyme inhibitors decreases the peripheral conversion of T4 to T3, leading to decreased T3 levels. However, serum T4 levels are usually normal but may occasionally be slightly increased. Drug or Drug Class Effect Beta-adrenergic antagonists (e.g., Propranolol >160 mg/day) In patients treated with large doses of propranolol (>160 mg/day), T3 and T4 levels change, TSH levels remain normal, and patients are clinically euthyroid. Actions of particular beta-adrenergic antagonists may be impaired when a hypothyroid patient is converted to the euthyroid state. Glucocorticoids (e.g., Dexamethasone ≥4 mg/day) Short-term administration of large doses of glucocorticoids may decrease serum T3 concentrations by 30% with minimal change in serum T4 levels. However, long-term glucocorticoid therapy may result in slightly decreased T3 and T4 levels due to decreased TBG production (see above). Other drugs: Amiodarone Amiodarone inhibits peripheral conversion of levothyroxine (T4) to triiodothyronine (T3) and may cause isolated biochemical changes (increase in serum free-T4, and decreased or normal free-T3) in clinically euthyroid patients. 7.2 Antidiabetic Therapy Addition of liothyronine sodium therapy in patients with diabetes mellitus may worsen glycemic control and result in increased antidiabetic agent or insulin requirements. Carefully monitor glycemic control, especially when liothyronine sodium is started, changed, or discontinued [see Warnings and Precautions (5.5) ] . 7.3 Oral Anticoagulants Liothyronine sodium increases the response to oral anticoagulant therapy. Therefore, a decrease in the dose of anticoagulant may be warranted with correction of the hypothyroid state or when the liothyronine sodium dose is increased. Closely monitor coagulation tests to permit appropriate and timely dosage adjustments. 7.4 Digitalis Glycosides Liothyronine sodium may reduce the therapeutic effects of digitalis glycosides. Serum digitalis glycoside levels may be decreased when a hypothyroid patient becomes euthyroid, necessitating an increase in the dose of digitalis glycosides. 7.5 Antidepressant Therapy Concurrent use of tricyclic (e.g., amitriptyline) or tetracyclic (e.g., maprotiline) antidepressants and liothyronine sodium may increase the therapeutic and toxic effects of both drugs, possibly due to increased receptor sensitivity to catecholamines. Toxic effects may include increased risk of cardiac arrhythmias and central nervous system stimulation. Liothyronine sodium may accelerate the onset of action of tricyclics. Administration of sertraline in patients stabilized on liothyronine sodium may result in increased liothyronine sodium requirements. 7.6 Ketamine Concurrent use of ketamine and liothyronine sodium may produce marked hypertension and tachycardia. Closely monitor blood pressure and heart rate in these patients. 7.7 Sympathomimetics Concurrent use of sympathomimetics and liothyronine sodium may increase the effects of sympathomimetics or thyroid hormone. Thyroid hormones may increase the risk of coronary insufficiency when sympathomimetic agents are administered to patients with coronary artery disease. 7.8 Tyrosine-Kinase Inhibitors Concurrent use of tyrosine-kinase inhibitors such as imatinib may cause hypothyroidism. Closely monitor TSH levels in such patients. 7.9 Drug-Laboratory Test Interactions Consider changes in TBG concentration when interpreting T4 and T3 values. Measure and evaluate unbound (free) hormone in this circumstance. Pregnancy, infectious hepatitis, estrogens, estrogen-containing oral contraceptives, and acute intermittent porphyria increase TBG concentrations. Nephrosis, severe hypoproteinemia, severe liver disease, acromegaly, androgens and corticosteroids decrease TBG concentration. Familial hyper- or hypo-thyroxine binding globulinemias have been described, with the incidence of TBG deficiency approximating 1 in 9000.

How long does Liothyronine Sodium stay in your body?

The elimination half-life of liothyronine sodium is about 2-1/2 days (the label's "biological half-life") — the time it takes the body to clear about half of it. As a rule of thumb, a medicine is mostly gone after roughly 4 to 5 half-lives, though this varies from person to person with age and kidney or liver function. Liothyronine IS the active thyroid hormone T3 itself — it is not a prodrug, and it has no active metabolite that outlasts it (T3 is degraded by deiodination to inactive diiodothyronine). Note that T3 is the shorter-lived hormone; the related, separate drug levothyroxine (T4) has a longer half-life and is peripherally converted to T3, but that is a different drug, not a metabolite of liothyronine. The label gives a single "biological half-life" and does not break it into distinct distribution/terminal phases, nor does it state how the half-life changes in older adults or in kidney or liver impairment.

This is general information, not medical advice. It doesn’t tell you when a drug test would read negative (tests detect substances for different, often longer, windows) or when it’s safe to take another dose — ask your pharmacist or prescriber. Source: Liothyronine Sodium tablet — DailyMed label, §12.3 Pharmacokinetics.

Drug class

May treat (source: NIH RxClass)

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Dosage forms

Tablet

The forms currently marketed in the U.S., per the FDA National Drug Code Directory.

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Frequently asked questions

What does Cytomel treat?
Cytomel (Liothyronine Sodium) may be used to treat goiter, myxedema, thyroid neoplasms, autoimmune thyroiditis, thyrotoxicosis, based on NIH RxClass drug-classification data (conditions a drug may treat — not a verbatim copy of the FDA-approved label). This is general reference, not medical advice.
Is there a coupon or discount for Cytomel?
pharmaranks is an independent ratings site, not a pharmacy — we don't issue coupons or sell Cytomel. To pay less, ask your prescriber or pharmacist whether a generic equivalent exists, check the manufacturer's copay/savings card and patient-assistance program, and compare a pharmacy discount card against your insurance copay. Prices vary by pharmacy, insurance, and location, so always confirm at the counter. This is general reference, not medical or financial advice.
Who makes Cytomel?
Cytomel is marketed by King Pharms LLC. You can see King Pharms LLC's full profile, rating, and other products on pharmaranks.
Is Cytomel a brand-name or generic drug?
Cytomel is a brand-name product with the active ingredient Liothyronine Sodium. Lower-cost generic equivalents containing Liothyronine Sodium are available — ask your pharmacist.
Is Cytomel available over the counter?
No. Cytomel is a prescription (Rx) medication in the US — you need a prescription from a licensed clinician (in person or via telehealth); it isn't sold over the counter. For some conditions there are OTC alternatives — ask your pharmacist.
What forms does Cytomel come in?
Cytomel is currently marketed as tablet, per the FDA's National Drug Code Directory.
What class of drug is Cytomel?
Cytomel is classified as l-triiodothyronine, per the FDA's Established Pharmacologic Class.
Is Cytomel FDA-registered?
Cytomel is on record with the U.S. FDA under application number NDA010379. You can verify this on its official FDA label.
Is Cytomel safe?
There's no single safe-or-not verdict, and we don't yet have a composite recall-safety score for Cytomel. Review its FDA-label side effects and warnings below, and always consult a licensed professional.
What are the side effects of Cytomel?
Cytomel's side effects are taken directly from its FDA label. From the label: Adverse reactions associated with liothyronine sodium therapy are primarily those of hyperthyroidism due to therapeutic overdosage [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4) and Overdosage (10) ] . They include the following: General : fatigue, increased appetite, weight loss, heat intolerance, fever,… Both common and serious reactions are documented in full on this page. This is general reference from the FDA, not medical advice — always consult a professional.

Clinical content sourced from the FDA label via openFDA (U.S. FDA). View the FDA label on DailyMed → Provided for general reference only — not medical advice. Always consult a licensed professional and the current prescribing information.

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