Antithyroid Drugs
MANAGEMENT
These are the 3 primary lines for controlling hyperthyroidism:
- Antithyroid drug therapy. remission of hyperthyroidism after a 12- to 18-month course of treatment with these drugs.
- Destruction of the gland with radioactive iodine. recommended for >45 Years
- Surgical thyroidectomy.
Treatment of Graves is Medical
Classification according to the mechanism of action:
- Drugs inhibiting the uptake of iodide by the thyroid gland e.g. Perchlorate
- Drugs inhibiting the oxidation of iodide e.g. Thiouracil (thioamides). (30% Preferred)
- Drugs inhibiting the release of thyroid hormones e.g. Iodides
- Drugs destroying the gland by radiation e.g. RADIOACTIVE IODINE. (70% thyroidologists prefer)
Adjuncts to Antithyroid Drugs
Beta-Blockers Thyroid Barbiturates
Surgical Therapy
Surgical Thyroidectomy
Surgical Removal of the Thyroid ⇒ (subtotal thyroidectomy)
- Surgery is reserved for special situations in Graves .
