Liothyronine sodium

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Liothyronine sodium
Systematic (IUPAC) name
L-Tyrosine, O-(4-hydroxy-3-iodophenyl)-3,5-diiodo-,minisodium salt
Identifiers
CAS number	6893-02-3
ATC code	H03AA02
PubChem	5920
DrugBank	APRD01074
Chemical data
Formula	C15H11I3NNaO4
Mol. mass	672.96 g/mol
Pharmacokinetic data
Bioavailability	?
Protein binding	99.7%
Metabolism	?
Half life	2.5 days
Excretion	?
Therapeutic considerations
Pregnancy cat.	?
Legal status
Routes	?

Liothyronine sodium (prepared from triiodothyronine) is a thyroid hormone drug used to treat hypothyroidism. It is a major component of the medication Cytomel ([1], [2]).

[edit] See also

• Levothyroxine

Cytomel® is the popularly recognized brand name for the drug liothyronine sodium. This is not an anabolic steroid but a thyroid hormone. It is used medically to treat cases of thyroid insufficiency, obesity, certain metabolic disorders and fatigue. Specifically this drug is a pharmaceutical preparation of the natural thyroid hormone triiodothyronine (T-3). When administered, Cytomel® increases the patient's metabolism. The result is an increased rate of cellular activity (noted by a more rapid utilization of carbohydrates, fats and proteins). Bodybuilders are particularly attracted to this drug for its ability to burn off body excess fat. Most often utilized during contest preparation, one can greatly decrease the amount of stored fat without being forced to severely restrict calories. To this end Cytomel® is commonly used in conjunction with Clenbuterol and can produce extremely dramatic results. This combination has become very popular in recent years, no doubt responsible for many "ripped" on-stage physiques. It is also noted by many that when thyroid hormones are taken in conjunction with steroids, an increased anabolic effect can be seen (noticeably greater than if the steroids are used alone). This is likely due to faster utilization of proteins by the body, increasing the rate for new muscle accumulation.

One should take caution if considering using this drug. Cytomel® comes with an extensive list of warnings and precautions which are not to be ignored. Side effects include, but are not limited to, heart palpitations, agitation, shortness of breath, irregular heartbeat, sweating, nausea, headaches, and psychic/metabolic disorders. It is a powerful hormone, and one that could potentially alter the normal functioning of the body if misused. When administering Cytomel®, one must remember to increase the dosage slowly. Generally one 25mcg tablet is taken on the first day, and the dosage is thereafter increased by one tablet every three of four days for a maximum dosage of 100mcg. This will help the body adjust to the increased thyroid hormone, hopefully avoiding any sudden "shock" to the system. The daily dose is also to be split evenly throughout the day, in an effort to keep blood levels steadier. Women are more sensitive to the side effects of Cytomel® than men, and usually opt to take no more than 50mcg daily.