We take a look at liothyronine and what it is supposed to do. Liothyronine is a synthetic hormone used as a medication. It is used to treat an underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism). Thyroid hormones are produced by the hormone gland and when it struggles to produce the necessary amount for the body, liothyronine can provide said amount. The medication is more widely known under its brand name cytomel. You can read more about liothyronine here.

Liothyronine comes in tablet form to be taken orally, ideally once a day. Try to take it at the same time each day to get yourself into a consistent routine. If you suddenly decide to stop taking it, you need to consult with your doctor before you experience any side effects as a result of the withdrawal process. The dosage you receive will be decided based on your specific medical condition, your age, lab-test results and response to treatment.

Having the right amount of thyroid hormones is pivotal to a healthy lifestyle. In the case of children, having the right amount of thyroid hormones can help them grow and learn at a normal rate.

There are other thyroid-related health conditions combated by liothyronine, including goiters, thyroid cancer and thyroid disease. It can also help to bolster some types of antidepressants, especially in women.

One condition that should not be treated by liothyronine is infertility unless said infernity was caused by low thyroid hormone levels in the first place, in which case, you should consult with your doctor about taking an appropriate dose.

Be warned that if you’re taking other medications at the same time, they could reduce the absorption rate of liothyronine. This includes products containing aluminum, magnesium, calcium supplements, iron and sodium polystyrene sulfonate. If you’re still taking these medications or products, you should look at taking them two hours before or after your intake of liothyronine.

The side effects of liothyronine are normally far and in-between. The most danger is likely to come as a result of exceeding the appropriate dose, which can cause an allergic reaction. In the worst case scenario of an overdose, the patient will develop serious symptoms, such as trouble breathing, or passing out.

Liothyronine can also find its way into breast milk. Even though the damage is nowhere near enough to harm the baby or mother, you should still check with the doctor to make sure you’re not going over the recommended dose. But regardless, there aren’t any harmful side-effects during this time.

For the most part, the elderly should be cleared to take this medication, but doctors will need to take extra precautions to ensure that there is no damage to the heart.

Storage rules state that the medication needs to be stored at room temperature, away from light and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom and keep out of the reach of children and pets.

Liothyronine is a vital medication for giving you that thyroid hormone balance. For some people, when it comes to thyroid hormone replacement treatment, it can last for many years.