Thyroid Disease by Adams Media

Author:Adams Media
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: thyroid disease, health, hyperthyroidism
Publisher: Adams Media
Published: 2012-09-15T00:00:00+00:00

Antithyroid Drugs

Just as the name suggests, antithyroid drugs work in opposition to the thyroid. These drugs work by blocking the production of thyroid hormone by making it more difficult for the thyroid to use iodine. These drugs, which are called thionamides, have been around since the 1940s. Many patients are prescribed the drugs as the sole therapy for hyperthyroidism.

It can sometimes take several months for the effects of these medications to kick in. That’s because the drugs do not wipe out the excess hormone already produced before you started taking the medication.

Most people who take medications for hyperthyroidism should be taking methimazole, which is sold under the brand name Tapazole. Methimazole works by blocking the production of T4 and T3 and also interferes with the conversion of T4 to T3. Methimazole is usually taken daily or twice a day. For people living in Europe, carbimazole is another type of antithyroid medication that’s available. In the body, carbimazole is rapidly converted into methimazole, where it blocks the production of thyroid hormone.

Until recently, most patients on antithyroid medications were taking propylthiouracil (PTU). But recent studies show that PTU is harmful to the liver. In 2009, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration issued a warning that PTU could cause liver failure and damage and recommended the use of methimazole.

Essential

Antithyroid medications are usually given in the four to six weeks leading up to surgery for hyperthyroidism. They are also given in preparation for RAI in patients with severe hyperthyroidism. In addition, these drugs are used when someone has thyroid storm, a condition characterized by severe symptoms of hyperthyroidism and considered a bona fide medical emergency.

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