Dear Thyroid patient,. These medications are both used as treatments for hypothyroidism, yet are actually different medications. In hypothyroidism, TSH is released with no response from the thyroid gland; therefore levels become higher than normal, while T4 and T3 levels remain low.
As for the medications you are referring to, Levothyroxine is synthetic or man-made T4 and liothyronine is synthetic T3. In normal conditions, T4 is converted to T3, which then acts in the body.
It is important to understand signs and symptoms to watch for when thyroid levels are too high, such as sweating, rapid heart rate, and a feeling of nervousness or anxiety. If you begin to experience any of these be sure to talk to your doctor or pharmacist. Please remember to take your thyroid medications first thing in the morning at least 30 minutes before food.
What is the difference between levothyroxine and liothyronine? Dear Thyroid patient, These medications are both used as treatments for hypothyroidism, yet are actually different medications. In addition to hypothyroidism, Cytomel is used for:. The endocrinology community continues to debate the use of T3 for treating hypothyroidism.
Despite resistance from many medical practitioners, a growing body of research is shedding light on the appropriate use of T3 drugs in people with hypothyroidism. Among them:. With the exception of triggering hyperthyroid symptoms, side effects from Cytomel are rare and generally mild. Symptoms of hyperthyroidism include:. Other possible side effects include:. If any of these side effects become severe or don't go away over time, let your healthcare provider know.
Less common side effects that can be serious and require immediate medical attention include:. With any medication, it's important for you and your healthcare provider to consider the potential risks along with the possible benefits.
Antacids and the cholesterol-lowering drugs Colestid colestipol and Questran cholestyramine can interfere with the absorption of Cytomel.
To avoid this, always separate the doses of Cytomel and the other drugs by at least four hours. Cytomel is known to interact with certain common medications. Cytomel should not be used in people with:. Cytomel is not absorbed in fetal tissue and is therefore considered safe during pregnancy. While liothyronine can be passed through breastmilk, the amount secreted is so small as to be considered harmless. Cytomel is available in 5-microgram mcg , mcg, and 50 mcg doses.
The recommended dosage depends on the condition being treated and the level of thyroid gland dysfunction. For hypothyroidism that hasn't responded adequately to levothyroxine alone, your healthcare provider will likely start you on a once-a-day 5-mcg dose of T3 and increase it every week or two until tests show your thyroid hormones are in the desired range. The starting dosage should be lower—5 mcg per day—in:. Proper dosing of Cytomel is relatively difficult and should aim to maintain the normal T4 to T3 ratio of about Combination therapy should ideally be managed by an endocrinologist.
Cytomel quickly absorbs into your system. The biological half-life is 2. Cytomel reaches its maximum activity in your body within two to three days after you start taking it, meaning you should notice a difference in your symptoms quite soon.
If you don't feel as well as you think you should, even if your thyroid test results fall within the normal range, speak with your healthcare provider. While you may be interested in trying a T3 drug, know that some healthcare providers may recommend that you stick with levothyroxine alone, given that it is the standard of care for hypothyroidism per guidelines set forth by the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologist AACE and American Thyroid Association ATA. However, given the newer, promising research into Cytomel for some people with hypothyroidism, your healthcare provider may be open to a discussion about the possible benefits.
Get our printable guide for your next healthcare provider's appointment to help you ask the right questions. Losing weight with thyroid disease can be a struggle. Our thyroid-friendly meal plan can help. Sign up and get yours free! Madan R, Celi FS. Combination therapy for hypothyroidism: Rationale, therapeutic goals, and design. Front Endocrinol Lausanne. Published Jul 8.
Leese GP. Nice guideline on thyroid disease: where does it take us with liothyronine? Thyroid Res. Published May Treatment of hypothyroidism with levothyroxine plus liothyronine: a randomized, double-blind, crossover study. Arch Endocrinol Metab. American Thyroid Association. Hypothyroidism FAQS. Highlights of prescribing information: Cytomel lithyronine sodium tablets.
Updated December National Institutes of Health, U. National Library of Medicine: DailyMed. Label: Triostat-liothyronine sodium injection. Updated October 31, National Library of Health: MedlinePlus.
Updated January 15, Prescribers' Digital Reference. Liothyronine sodium - Drug summary. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. What is the quality of life in patients treated with levothyroxine for hypothyroidism and how are we measuring it? A critical, narrative review. J Clin Med. Published Mar National Library of Medicine: MedlinePlus. Updated April 12, Wiersinga WM. Eur J Endocrinol. American Association of Clinical Endocrinology. Clinical practice guidelines. Treatment of hypothyroidism with levothyroxine or a combination of levothyroxine plus L-triiodothyronine.
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