Search Content

Liothyronine

Pronounced

"lye-oh-THYE-roe-neen"

Common brand names:

Cytomel

Uses

Liothyronine is used to treat an underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism). It replaces or provides more thyroid hormone, which is normally made by the thyroid gland. Liothyronine is a man-made form of thyroid hormone. Low thyroid hormone levels can occur naturally or when the thyroid gland is injured by radiation/medications or removed by surgery. Having enough thyroid hormone helps you stay healthy. For children, having enough thyroid hormone helps them grow and learn normally.

This medication is also used to treat other types of thyroid problems (such as certain types of goiters, thyroid cancer). It can also be used to test for certain types of thyroid disease.

This medication should not be used to treat infertility unless it is caused by low thyroid hormone levels.

How to Use This Medication

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. Do not stop taking it without first talking with your doctor. Thyroid replacement treatment is usually taken for life.

The dosage is based on your medical condition, age, lab test results, and response to treatment.

Certain medications can decrease the absorption of liothyronine. Examples include products that contain aluminum or magnesium, antacids, sucralfate, calcium supplements, iron, bile acid-binding resins (such as cholestyramine, colestipol, colesevelam), simethicone, sevelamer, sodium polystyrene sulfonate, among others. If you take any of these medications, take them at least 4 hours before or after liothyronine. If you take lanthanum, take it at least 2 hours before or after liothyronine.

Symptoms of low thyroid hormone levels include tiredness, muscle aches, constipation, dry skin, weight gain, slow heartbeat, or sensitivity to cold. You may see an improvement in these symptoms within a few days. Tell your doctor if you do not get better or if you get worse.

RxAnswers™ is a copyrighted combined product from TraceGains and First DataBank, Inc.

Drug information is selected from data included with permission and copyrighted by First DataBank, Inc. This is a summary and does not contain all possible information about this product. For complete information about this product or your specific health needs, ask your healthcare professional. Always seek the advice of your healthcare professional if you have any questions about this product or your medical condition. This information is not intended as individual medical advice and does not substitute for the knowledge and judgment of your healthcare professional. This information does not contain any assurances that this product is safe, effective or appropriate for you.

This information is intended only for residents of the United States. Products sold under the same brand names in other countries may contain different ingredients.

Learn more about First DataBank

There are some limitations on the information provided in “Nutrient Interactions.” Do NOT rely solely on the information in this article. Please read the disclaimer.

Learn more about TraceGains, the company.

TraceGains and/or its suppliers make no warranties or representations as to the accuracy or completeness of this content herein or that of any organization referred or linked to within this content and will not be liable for any damages arising out of your access to or use of any information found herein or that of any organization referred to within this content.

Information expires December 2025.