Thyroid Gland and Hormones
Thyroid Gland:
Location: Front of the neck.
Function: Regulates metabolism, growth, and development through hormone production.
Primary Thyroid Hormones:
1) Thyroxine (T4):
Function: Increases metabolic rate, influences protein synthesis, and regulates growth.
2) Triiodothyronine (T3):
Function: More active than T4; plays a crucial role in metabolism and heart rate regulation.
3) Calcitonin:
Function: Regulates calcium levels in the blood by inhibiting bone resorption.
Antithyroid Drugs
Purpose:
Primary Use: Treat hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid), including Graves' disease.
Common Antithyroid Medications:
1) 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).
2) 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.