Antithyroid Drugs
| Drug | Action |
|---|---|
| Propylthiouracil (PTU) | Inhibits thyroid peroxidase and blocks iodine organification. Also inhibits the peripheral conversion of T4 to T3 |
| Methimazole | Large doses of steroids inhibit the peripheral conversion of T4 to T3 and inhibit hormone production |
| Beta-blockers | They inhibit peripheral conversion of T4 to T3, and control tachycardia and palpitations if symptoms persist after antithyroid medications have been initiated |
| Steroids | Large doses of steroids inhibit peripheral conversion of T4 to T3 and inhibit hormone production |
| Potassium Iodide | Inhibits thyroid peroxidase reactions and blocks iodine organification. Only dosed once daily. 10 times more potent than PTU and has a faster onset of action than PTU |
- Side effects of PTU and Methimazole
- Liver disease
- Hepatitis
- Fulminant liver failure
- Cholestatic jaundice
- Agranulocytosis (monitor using regular LFTs and CBC with differential)
- Liver disease
