Liothyronine oral tablet dosage: A detailed guide

This article describes liothyronine oral tablet’s dosages and strengths and gives details on how to take it. You’ll also find information on cost savings and coupon options for liothyronine. To learn more about liothyronine, talk with your doctor.

Liothyronine oral tablet is a generic version of the brand-name drug Cytomel. Liothyronine also comes in an intravenous (IV) solution that is injected into your vein. That form isn’t described in this article. To learn more about that form, talk with your doctor.

Liothyronine oral tablet has a boxed warning. A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). For details, see the end of this article.

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Form and strengths of liothyronine

Liothyronine oral tablet comes as follows:

• Form: oral tablet that you swallow
• Strengths: 5 micrograms (mcg), 25 mcg, 50 mcg

Dosage of liothyronine

This article describes the recommended dosages for liothyronine oral tablet. The drugmaker provides these dosages. In some cases, doctors may adjust your dosage from those shown below.

If your doctor prescribes this medication, you should follow the dosage they prescribe. Your doctor will determine the dosage that best meets your needs. Do not change your dosage of liothyronine oral tablet without your doctor’s recommendation.

Usual recommended dosages of liothyronine in adults

Usually, doctors start by prescribing a low dosage of liothyronine oral tablet. Then, they’ll adjust it over time until the right dosage is reached. Ultimately, your doctor will prescribe the smallest dosage of liothyronine oral tablet that gives the desired outcome.

Dosage for low thyroid hormone levels

Liothyronine is a lab-made version of a thyroid hormone called triiodothyronine (T3). If your body is not making enough thyroid hormone (hypothyroidism), then liothyronine can be used to treat it. The usual dosage is:

• Starting dosage: 25 mcg per day
• Maintenance dosage: 25 to 75 mcg per day

Your doctor may increase your dosage by 25 mcg every 1 to 2 weeks if needed.

Dosage for thyroid suppression test

The thyroid suppression test is done to check the function of your thyroid gland. Your doctor will likely recommend taking liothyronine 75 to 100 mcg per day for 7 days. They will give you a certain type of iodine before and after taking liothyronine. Doctors can see this iodine on diagnostic imaging, which helps them evaluate your thyroid gland function.

Talk with your doctor if you have further questions about the dosage of liothyronine for this test.

Dosage for thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) suppression in certain types of thyroid cancer

Liothyronine is used to lower TSH levels and help prevent the growth of thyroid cancer cells. The dosage of liothyronine will depend on your TSH levels and how well your body responds to the drug. Your doctor will closely monitor your TSH levels if you have thyroid cancer. They will adjust your dosage of liothyronine as needed. Talk with your doctor to learn more.

Dosages of liothyronine in children

Liothyronine can be prescribed in children of all ages for hypothyroidism (low thyroid hormone levels). The usual recommended starting dosage is 5 mcg per day. Your child’s doctor may increase their dosage by 5 mcg every 3 to 4 days.

Infants under the age of 12 months would likely require a maintenance dosage of 20 mcg per day. At the age of 1 year, your child may require 50 mcg per day. After the age of 3 years, a full adult dosage of liothyronine may be needed.

Talk with your doctor to learn more about your child’s liothyronine dosage.

Frequently asked questions

Below are answers to some commonly asked questions about liothyronine oral tablet and its dosage.

What dosage of liothyronine oral tablet is used for weight loss?

None. Liothyronine is not approved to be used for the treatment of obesity or for weight loss. In fact, liothyronine has a boxed warning stating it should not be used for this purpose. A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the FDA. For details, see the end of this article.

What dosage of liothyronine oral tablet is used for depression?

Liothyronine is not approved for the treatment of depression. If your doctor prescribes liothyronine for this purpose, it is considered an off-label use. With off-label use, doctors prescribe a drug for a purpose other than what it’s approved for.

Talk with your doctor to learn more about the use of liothyronine for depression or other off-label purposes.

Liothyronine coupon

Visit this page to access Optum Perks coupons and get price estimates for liothyronine when you use the coupons. These coupons can provide significant savings on your prescription costs. 

Note: Optum Perks coupons cannot be used with insurance copays or benefits.

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Overdose of liothyronine

It’s important that you do not take more liothyronine oral tablet than your doctor prescribes. Doing so can lead to harmful effects.

Symptoms of liothyronine overdose

Symptoms of an overdose may include:

• weight loss
• fast heart rate
• fatigue
• muscle weakness, tremors, or seizures
• easily causing your body to overheat
• frequent bowel movements
• feeling nervous, disoriented, or confused
• blood clot in your brain

In certain cases, liothyronine overdose may cause shock, coma, or death.

What to do if you take too much liothyronine

If you think you’ve taken too much liothyronine, call your doctor or pharmacist right away. Or you could call 800-222-1222 to speak with someone at America’s Poison Centers. You can also use its online resource. If you have severe symptoms, call 911 or a local emergency number immediately. You can also go to the closest emergency room.

Boxed warning for liothyronine

Liothyronine has a boxed warning because it’s not to be used for the treatment of obesity or for weight loss. A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the FDA.

Thyroid hormones, including liothyronine, should not be used for the treatment of obesity or weight loss. Doses that are above the usual daily hormone requirement can cause severe symptoms. These include confusion, disorientation, blood clots in your brain, and seizures. In extreme cases, this could result in life threatening effects, such as shock and coma. For more information, see the “Overdose of liothyronine” section.

Talk with your doctor to learn more.

Disclaimer: Optum Perks has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.