13 Thyroid drugs

Triiodothyronine

A thyroid hormone also known as T3, involved in regulating metabolism.

Tetraiodothyronine

Also known as thyroxine or T4, this thyroid hormone plays a crucial role in metabolism.

Hypothyroidism

A condition characterized by insufficient thyroid hormone production.

Myxedema

A severe form of hypothyroidism in adults that can lead to a low metabolic rate and various symptoms.

Cretinism

Severe hypothyroidism in infants leading to mental retardation and physical growth deficiencies.

Graves’ disease

The most common form of hyperthyroidism, characterized by an autoimmune response that stimulates excessive thyroid hormone release.

Thyrotoxicosis

A severe form of hyperthyroidism also referred to as a thyroid storm.

Levothyroxine

A synthetic form of T4 used as a medication for hypothyroidism.

Liothyronine

A synthetic form of T3 used in the treatment of hypothyroidism.

Thioamides

A class of anti-thyroid drugs that inhibit thyroid hormone synthesis.

Methimazole

A thioamide medication commonly used to treat hyperthyroidism.

Propylthiouracil (PTU)

A thioamide drug recommended for hyperthyroidism treatment, especially during early pregnancy.

β-adrenoceptor blockers

Medications like propranolol used to treat symptoms of thyrotoxicosis.

Iodide therapy

Using iodides to inhibit thyroid hormone release and manage hyperthyroidism.

Wolff-Chaikoff effect

Inhibition of thyroid hormone synthesis by high iodine levels.

Exophthalmos

Protrusion of the eyeballs commonly seen in Graves’ disease.

Agranulocytosis

A potentially severe side effect of thioamide therapy characterized by a dangerously low level of white blood cells.

Hypothyroidism symptoms

Signs include low metabolic rate, feeling chilled, constipation, and lethargy.

Thyroid storm

A life-threatening exacerbation of hyperthyroidism.

Goiter

Enlargement of the thyroid gland often associated with thyroid hormone imbalance.

Thyroid hormone replacement therapy

Treatment method for conditions like cretinism, involving supplementation of thyroid hormones.

Radioactive iodine (131I)

Used in the treatment of thyrotoxicosis, emitting beta rays to reduce thyroid function.

Clinical use of thioamides

Administered for mild hyperthyroidism, surgical preparations, and thyroid crisis.

Adverse effects of iodine therapies

Skin rash, swollen salivary glands, and mucous membrane ulcerations.

TSH (Thyroid Stimulating Hormone)

Hormone that stimulates the thyroid gland to produce thyroid hormones.

Negative feedback mechanism

A regulatory mechanism in which an increase in a substance leads to a decrease in its production.

Thyroid hormone synthesis

The process of producing thyroid hormones from iodine and tyrosine.

Congenital hypothyroidism

Hypothyroidism present at birth, often resulting in developmental delays.

Thyroid gland health

Influenced by factors like diet, autoimmune diseases, and genetic predisposition.

Iodine deficiency

A lack of iodine in the diet that can lead to hypothyroidism and goiter.

Lethargy

A common symptom in hypothyroidism characterized by extreme fatigue and lack of energy.

Hormonal imbalance

A state in which hormone levels are not normal, potentially affecting overall health.

Energy levels and thyroid hormones

Thyroid hormones help regulate the energy metabolism of the body.

Hyperthyroidism

A condition characterized by excessive thyroid hormone production.

Thyroid Function Tests

Blood tests used to assess thyroid function, including TSH, T3, and T4 levels.

Subclinical Hypothyroidism

A mild form of hypothyroidism where TSH is elevated but T3 and T4 levels remain normal.

Thyroidectomy

Surgical removal of the thyroid gland, often used in cases of cancer or severe hyperthyroidism.

Iodine excess

A condition that can lead to hyperthyroidism and thyroid gland dysfunction due to excess iodine intake.

Triiodothyronine (T3)

A thyroid hormone involved in regulating metabolism.

Tetraiodothyronine (T4)

Also known as thyroxine, this hormone plays a crucial role in metabolism.

Myxedema

A severe form of hypothyroidism in adults leading to a low metabolic rate.

Cretinism

Severe hypothyroidism in infants resulting in mental and physical growth deficiencies.

Graves’ Disease

The most common form of hyperthyroidism due to an autoimmune response.