Cytomel T-4 (levothyroxine sodium)
What is Cytomel T-4?
Cytomel T-4, with active ingredient Levothyroxine Sodium, is used for treating low activity of thyroid in the body. Low activity of thyroid can lead to goiter, thyroid cancer as well as low metabolic rates, hence leading to weight gain. The thyroid gland in the body is used for regulating the metabolic rate in the body.
Precautions and side effects of Cytomel T-4
Patients allergic to Levothyroxine should refrain from taking the drug. Apart from that, patients with heart disease, adrenal gland problems or high levels of thyroid in the body should refrain from taking the drug. Patients with high blood pressure, blood clotting problems, diabetes as well as osteoporosis should take this drug only after due consultation with the doctor.
Cytomel T-4 is a Category C pregnancy drug. Thus, is can have adverse effects on the newborn as well as the fetus. Hence, pregnant women as well as women who are breastfeeding should take this drug only after due consultation with the doctor.
The drug is also known to react with certain medications such as HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors like Simvstatin, blood thinners such as Warfarin and Beta blockers such as Metoprolol. Thus, patients on any of these drugs should take Cytomel T-4 only after consultation with a doctor. This is not a complete list of drugs. Patients on any other prescription medicines should take Cytomel T-4 only after consultation with a doctor.
The drug is also known to have certain side effects such as anxiety, diarrhea, hair loss, lethargy, weakness of the muscles etc. However, in certain cases, serious side effects may show up to the drug such as rashes, hives, irregular heartbeat, cramps in the leg, breathlessness, seizures etc. If any of these symptoms occur after taking Cytomel T-4, a doctor should be consulted immediately.
Important safety information
- The drug is known to affect blood glucose levels. Thus, diabetes patients should undergo regular blood tests while on Cytmel T-4 to keep their blood glucose levels in check.
- Patients above the age of 60 years are known to be more sensitive to the drug. Hence, the drug should be used with caution in people above the age of 60 years.
- The drug may hamper growth in children. Hence, overuse of the drug should be avoided in children.
Dosage of Cytomel T-4
Cytomel T-4 is available in tablets ranging from strengths of 5 mcgs to 100 mcgs. The usual dosage of Cytomel T-4 is 25 mcgs per day which may go upto 50 mcgs per day. The drug should be taken on an empty stomach with a glass full of water. Any calcium supplements as well as drugs such as simethicone, colestipol etc. should be avoided for at least 4hours after taking Cytomel T-4. These drugs are known to hamper the absorption of Cytomel T-4 in the blood stream.
In case the drug is to be administered to small children, it can be crushed and mixed in water for easy administration of the drug and to prevent gagging. However, the drug should be mixed only in water and not in any other fluid including soybean formula for kids.
Overdose of the drug should be avoided at all costs. If a doe is missed, it should be had as soon as possible. However, it should not be clubbed with the next dose as it can lead to severe side effects such as irregular heartbeat, muscle cramps etc. which require immediate medical attention.
Storage of Cytomel T-4
Cytomel T-4 should be stored at room temperature in a cool, dry environment away from direct sunlight. It should be stored out of reach of children as well as pets at all times.
