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Home > Drug Category > Thyroid Disorders > Cytomel and Equivalent

Cytomel Information

Cytomel (Liothyronine) is a synthetic form of a hormone produced by the thyroid gland called triiodothyronine. Cytomel is used for the treatment of mild to severe hypothyroidism (when thyroid gland does not produce enough hormones) and for the treatment of enlarged thyroid gland (simple goiter). Cytomel is also used together with surgery and radioactive iodine therapy in people with thyroid cancer. Cytomel should not be used to treat obesity or weight problems. This medication should not be used to treat infertility unless it is caused by low thyroid hormone levels.

Cytomel Availability

Big Mountain Drugs offers the brand name of Cytomel manufactured by Pfizer in Canada. The generic of Cytomel is not available at this time. Cytomel is available in a dosage of 5 mcg and 25 mcg tablets.

Cytomel Side Effects

The most common side effects of Cytomel may include symptoms of hyperthyroidism such as headache, excessive sweating, fatigue, increased appetite, weight loss, fever, nervousness, anxiety, irritability, insomnia, cardiac arrhythmias (heartbeats which are irregular or too fast), angina pectoris (chest pain), diarrhea and menstrual irregularities. Call your doctor right away if you have any of the serious side effects such as:
• A feeling of being cold all the time;
• A seizure;
• A light-headed feeling, like you might pass out;
• Confusion;
• Changes in weight or appetite;
• Chest pressure spreading to your jaw or shoulder;
• Pain, stiffness, and trouble moving the legs (in a child or teenager);
• Severe headaches, ringing in your ears, dizziness, vision problems, pain behind your eyes;
• Weak or shallow breathing.

Cytomel Precautions

Do not use Cytomel if you have a hypersensitivity or allergy to thyroid hormones (liothyronine sodium) or to any non-medicinal ingredients in Cytomel; have uncorrected adrenal gland under-activity; acute myocardial infarction (heart attack). Before you start taking this medication, tell your doctor about your medical history, including if you have any heart problems, such as a heart attack, angina pectoris (chest pain); a history problem with thyroid (myxedema), or adrenal or pituitary gland; kidney disease; high blood sugar (diabetes); decreased development of sexual organs (hypogonadism); bone thinning (osteoporosis); pregnant or planning to become pregnant; breast feeding; blood clotting problem. Tell your doctor about all the medications you take including prescription, OTC, herbal supplements and vitamins. There may be a drug interaction between Cytomel and other medications. Some medicines may interfere with blood tests done to determine thyroid hormone levels (thyroid function tests). It is important to inform your doctor of all medicines you are taking before and at the time of blood tests. Some of the drugs that are known to interfere with laboratory tests performed in patients on thyroid hormone therapy include Androgens (male hormones); Corticosteroids (eg., prednisone, dexamethasone); Estrogens and estrogen-containing oral contraceptives (birth control pills); Preparations containing iodine; Salicylates (eg., aspirin).

Do I need a prescription to order Cytomel?

Yes, a prescription is required from your physician to order Cytomel.