British Dragon Cytomel Tablets 100 tabs (50 mcg/tab)

Liothyronin - Cytomel

Thyroid hormones are essential molecules naturally produced in our body, yet many pharmaceutical companies synthesize them for medical use. The two primary types are T4 (levothyroxine) and T3 (liothyronine), both manufactured and stored in the thyroid gland.

There are two methods to obtain thyroid hormone from pharmaceutical sources: either sourced from animal glands (bovine or ovine) or synthetically created. In the USA, stringent regulations oversee the iodine content in these preparations.

Cytomel (liothyronine sodium) is available as both tablets and naturally occurring hormone salts. T3 is significantly more potent than T4.

Pharmakologie

The exact mechanisms of thyroid hormones remain elusive, but they play a vital role in inducing numerous biochemical changes within cells. Thyroid hormones provide energy boosts, enhance the utilization of body carbohydrates, fats, and proteins, and increase oxygen consumption. Regular use of thyroid hormones correlates with a higher basal metabolic rate and influences nearly every organ, including the brain. The importance of these hormones becomes evident when witnessing the effects of deficiency in patients.

Dosierung

Thyroid hormones are readily absorbed into the bloodstream, showing effects within hours, although full peak activity may take several days. These hormones typically persist in the body for days due to binding with albumin in the blood, which protects them from liver breakdown.

• Replacement therapy for hypothyroid patients
• Post-surgical thyroid removal therapy
• Treatment for goiters and thyroid nodules
• Diagnostic agents for hyperthyroidism and autonomy differentiation
• Alternative for those allergic to pork or beef thyroid

Athletes and Weight Management

For years, athletes have misused thyroid hormones for weight reduction. Given their capacity to enhance fat and carbohydrate metabolism, individuals incorporate Cytomel into their training routines. Typically, it is consumed orally for 4-6 weeks, ceasing a week before competitions to optimize performance. While highly effective as a fat-burning agent, it’s essential to note that athletes often combine it with various supplements, complicating the situation. Recommended initial doses for weight loss are around 25 ug/day, gradually increasing by 5-10 ug/day, with a safe upper limit of 100 ug/day. It’s crucial to taper off Cytomel gradually to restore normal thyroid function post-use.

Nebenwirkungen

Excessive thyroid hormone can cause various adverse effects, including:

• Headaches
• Altered moods: irritability, nervousness
• Increased sweating
• Arrhythmias
• Herzklopfen
• Schmerzen in der Brust
• Diarrhöe
• Menstruationsunregelmäßigkeiten
• Worsening heart failure
• Schock

Severe overdosage may resemble a thyroid storm, while chronic excess can lead to hyperthyroidism symptoms.

Kontraindikationen

Thyroid hormones are contraindicated in untreated adrenal cortical insufficiency, thyrotoxicosis, or known hypersensitivity to active or inert ingredients. Genuine allergic reactions to liothyronine are rare.

Caution with Thyroid Hormones

While some individuals employ thyroid hormones for weight management, the necessary therapeutic doses are generally ineffective for weight loss, demanding larger, risky dosages. Combining them with other substances, like ephedrine, can intensify potential dangers.

Caution is advised in cases of adrenal insufficiency, diabetes, and increased sensitivity to anticoagulants, which raises bleeding risks.

Thyroid Hormone Levels

Thyroid hormone levels can be easily tested, with comprehensive checks performed by sporting agencies like the IOC and WADA, utilizing sensitive radioimmunoassays to detect minute quantities in urine.

Wechselwirkungen mit Medikamenten

Liothyronine may interact with several medications, including:

• Oral anticoagulants
• Insulin or oral hypoglycemics
• Cholestyramine
• Estrogen and oral contraceptives
• Tricyclic antidepressants
• Digitalis

Physicians must ensure dosage remains safe while monitoring all patients on thyroid hormones.

Overdosing Treatment

In suspected overdosage cases, immediate hospital admission is critical. Thyroid hormones should be paused, and the patient monitored closely. A recovery period of 4-8 weeks is usually necessary. Supportive care is essential, avoiding induced vomiting to prevent aspiration risks. Some patients may require temporary mechanical ventilation or beta-adrenergic blockers for symptomatic relief.

Recommended Dosage

Liothyronine tablets are taken daily, with initial dosing tailored to hypothyroidism severity. Start with the lowest effective dose due to its quick action; typical starting dose is 5 mcg/day, increased by 5 mcg every 2-3 weeks. The optimal dosage usually falls between 50-75 ug/day. Liothyronine is also available intravenously for severe cases like myxedema coma—a critical condition primarily affecting elderly women. In the USA, a doctor’s prescription is required for all forms of liothyronine.