Antithyroid drug

From WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia

Antithyroid drugs are a class of medications used primarily in the treatment of hyperthyroidism - an overactive thyroid gland. These drugs work by reducing the production and release of thyroid hormones into the bloodstream.

Mechanism of Action[edit | edit source]

Antithyroid drugs, such as propylthiouracil and methimazole, inhibit the enzyme thyroid peroxidase. This enzyme plays a crucial role in the synthesis of thyroid hormones by catalyzing the iodination of tyrosine residues in thyroglobulin, and the coupling of these iodotyrosines to form thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3).

Uses[edit | edit source]

Antithyroid drugs are primarily used in the management of hyperthyroidism, including Graves' disease, toxic multinodular goiter, and solitary toxic adenoma. They may also be used preoperatively to prepare patients for thyroidectomy.

Side Effects[edit | edit source]

Common side effects of antithyroid drugs include skin rash, nausea, and headache. More serious side effects can include hepatitis, neutropenia, and agranulocytosis.

See Also[edit | edit source]

References[edit | edit source]

Medicine-stub.png
This article is a stub related to medicine. You can help WikiMD by expanding it!


FlattenedRoundPills.jpg
This article is a stub related to pharmacology. You can help WikiMD by expanding it!


WikiMD
Navigation: Wellness - Encyclopedia - Health topics - Disease Index‏‎ - Drugs - World Directory - Gray's Anatomy - Keto diet - Recipes

Search WikiMD

Ad.Tired of being Overweight? Try W8MD's physician weight loss program.
Semaglutide (Ozempic / Wegovy and Tirzepatide (Mounjaro / Zepbound) available.
Advertise on WikiMD

WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia

Let Food Be Thy Medicine
Medicine Thy Food - Hippocrates

Medical Disclaimer: WikiMD is not a substitute for professional medical advice. The information on WikiMD is provided as an information resource only, may be incorrect, outdated or misleading, and is not to be used or relied on for any diagnostic or treatment purposes. Please consult your health care provider before making any healthcare decisions or for guidance about a specific medical condition. WikiMD expressly disclaims responsibility, and shall have no liability, for any damages, loss, injury, or liability whatsoever suffered as a result of your reliance on the information contained in this site. By visiting this site you agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, which may from time to time be changed or supplemented by WikiMD. If you do not agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, you should not enter or use this site. See full disclaimer.
Credits:Most images are courtesy of Wikimedia commons, and templates Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY SA or similar.

Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD