Thyroid and Antithyroid Drugs
Thyroid and antithyroid drugs regulate thyroid hormone levels, treating disorders like hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism.
Thyroid Gland and Hormones
Thyroid Gland:
- Location: Front of the neck.
- Function: Regulates metabolism, growth, and development through hormone production.
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Primary Thyroid Hormones:
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Thyroxine (T4):
- Function: Increases metabolic rate, influences protein synthesis, and regulates growth.
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Triiodothyronine (T3):
- Function: More active than T4; plays a crucial role in metabolism and heart rate regulation.
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Calcitonin:
- Function: Regulates calcium levels in the blood by inhibiting bone resorption.
Antithyroid Drugs
Purpose:
- Primary Use: Treat hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid), including Graves’ disease.
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Common Antithyroid Medications:
-
Methimazole (Tapazole):
- Mechanism: Inhibits thyroid hormone synthesis by blocking iodine incorporation.
- Uses: First-line treatment for hyperthyroidism in adults and children.
- Side Effects: Rash, joint pain, liver dysfunction, agranulocytosis (rare).
-
Propylthiouracil (PTU):
- Mechanism: Blocks thyroid hormone synthesis and peripheral conversion of T4 to T3.
- Uses: Hyperthyroidism, especially in the first trimester of pregnancy.
- Side Effects: Liver toxicity, rash, nausea, agranulocytosis (rare).
Other Treatments for Hyperthyroidism:
- Beta-Blockers: Manage symptoms like rapid heart rate and tremors (e.g., propranolol).
- Radioactive Iodine Therapy: Destroys overactive thyroid cells.
- Surgery: Partial or complete thyroidectomy in severe cases.
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