Cytomel T-4

levothyroxine sodium

Levothyroxine is a thyroid hormone, which is produced and secreted by the thyroid gland. The main role of the hormone is maintenance of the bodily metabolic functions.

The drug Levothyroxine sodium is used for treating thyroid dysfunctions like goiter and is also used in surgery for treating thyroid cancer.

Levothyroxine sodium should not be used when you are allergic to the drug ingredients, or if you have a history of heart attack, angina, and problems related to adrenal glands, or increased untreated thyroid level in the blood stream. You also have to contact your doctor if you are pregnant or breast feeding. Consuming herbal medications or any counter medications an also interact with the drug. Inform the doctor if you suffer from food allergy or medicine allergy. Problems like high blood pressure, clotting problems, diabetes, osteoporosis, food digestion and absorption problem, infertility issues, pituitary gland problems, high thyroid amounts, also interfere with the functioning of the drug.

It is found that Levothyroxine interacts with aluminum salts like antacids, aminoquinalones like choloroquine, aiodarone, HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors like simvastatin, iron salts like ferrous sulaphate, raloxifine, Rifampin, sertraline, and reduces the effectiveness of Levothyroxine sodium. Administration of the drug with HMG Co-A reductase inhibitors, triyclic anti depressant like amitriptylene causes side effects like nervousness, increased or irregular heartbeat, etc. Cytomel T-4 also interacts with anticoagulants like warfarin, keratamine, beta-blockers like metoprolol, digital glycosides.

Levothyroxine should be used exactly as directed by the physician. The dosage amount should be rightly followed as instructed by the physician. The drug should be consumed about an hour or two before diet. The drug is swallowed along with a full glass of water.

Certain foods like soybean flour, cotton seed meal, walnuts, dietary fibers etc decrease the absorption of the drug in the intestine. If you have to take calcium iron or antacid supplements, then consume them at least 4 hrs before the consumption of the drug. Levothyroxine works best when it is consumed in the same time every day.

Cytomel T-4 works slowly, and it might take around 4 to 6 weeks for the symptoms to reduce. Cytomel T-4 is usually taken a lifetime except in cases of low thyroid activity due to thyroid inflammation. For administration in children, the tablets can be rushed and mixed with water before feeding the children. The crushed solution should be used immediately and cannot be stored for later use. The crushed tablet should also not be mixed with soybean infant formula. In case, you happen to miss a dose try to consume it early, but, you cannot have the two doses together at the time of the second dose.

Cytomel T-4 may swell rapidly and can disintegrate which results in choking hazard or it can also get struck in the throat. Care must also be taken while undertaking dental care, emergency or dental surgery. Cytomel T-4g can also affect the blood sugar level, and you can check the blood sugar level closely for variations during the administration of the drug. Cytomel T-4 should also be used cautiously in older patients and children as they are more sensitive towards the drug.

It is not known that Levothyroxine does not cause any harm to the fetus. Pregnant women can consult a doctor before using Levothyroxine, and the drug is also found in the breast milk of feeding mothers.

Some of the side effects of the drug include anxiety, diarrhea, variable mood swings and weakness of muscles, temporary hair loss, stomach cramp, sleeplessness, nausea and vomiting. These side effects may or may not be seen in the individuals depending upon the body strength and drug dosage amount. Some might also experience allergic reactions like rashes, hives, itching, chest and muscle tightness, changes in appetite, menstrual cycle, inability to withstand changes in weather conditions, irregular heartbeat, irritability, seizures, shocks, etc.

In case of a Cytomel T-4 overdose, contact your nearest emergency center. Chest pain, confusion, coma, extreme sweating, nervousness, headache, increased bowel motility is some of the symptoms of a drug overdose.

Cytomel T-4 is stored in at temperatures between 15 to 30 degree Celsius, in a closed container, away from direct sunlight and moisture. Keep away from children, as well.