Antithyroid Drugs Quiz

Antithyroid Drug Patient Teaching and Other Drugs

• Antithyroid drugs are used to treat an overactive thyroid gland by decreasing the production of thyroid hormone.
• Patients should receive instructions about signs and symptoms of acute liver failure and seek immediate medical treatment if these symptoms occur.
• Patient teaching guidelines for propylthiouracil include regular thyroid and liver function tests, avoiding seafood or iodized salt, and taking the drug at regular intervals.
• Patients should report adverse effects to the prescriber and consult a healthcare provider before taking over-the-counter drugs.
• Methimazole is similar to propylthiouracil and carries a risk of fetal abnormalities, requiring a pregnancy test before use during the first trimester.
• Strong iodine solution and saturated solution of potassium iodide are iodine preparations used in short-term treatment of hyperthyroidism, but should not be followed by certain antithyroid drugs.
• Sodium iodide 131I is a radioactive isotope used to treat hyperthyroidism and thyroid cancer, but can lead to hypothyroidism and requires lifelong hormone replacement therapy.
• The therapeutic benefits of sodium iodide 131I may not be apparent for 3 months or longer, and patients should avoid expectorating or coughing freely for 24 hours after therapy.
• Propranolol is a beta-adrenergic–blocking agent recommended for all patients with symptomatic hyperthyroidism to control symptoms such as tachycardia, palpitations, excessive sweating, and nervousness.
• Propranolol is particularly useful in older adults with resting heart rates greater than 90 beats/min or a history of cardiovascular conditions.
• Propranolol is used to control symptoms during the delayed response to other hyperthyroidism treatments, before thyroidectomy, and in treating thyrotoxic crisis.
• Once patients become euthyroid and definitive treatment has controlled hyperthyroid symptoms, propranolol should be tapered and discontinued.

Propylthiouracil: Pharmacokinetics, Action, and Use

• Propylthiouracil is a thioamide antithyroid drug used to treat hyperthyroidism
• It inhibits thyroid hormone production and peripheral conversion of T4 to T3
• Propylthiouracil is well absorbed orally, with a plasma half-life of 1-2 hours
• It is used alone for hyperthyroidism, preoperative thyroidectomy preparation, and in thyroid storm treatment
• Hyperthyroidism affects drug metabolism, requiring close monitoring and potential dose adjustments
• In older adults, radioactive iodine is preferred over propylthiouracil due to fewer adverse effects
• A BLACK BOX WARNING by the FDA highlights the risk of severe liver injury with propylthiouracil
• Adverse effects of propylthiouracil include hypothyroidism signs, hematologic, dermatologic, CNS, GI effects, and more
• The only contraindication to propylthiouracil is known hypersensitivity
• Evidence-based practice shows a link between propylthiouracil and vasculitis, requiring close monitoring and aggressive wound care
• Propylthiouracil may interact with anticoagulants, amiodarone, potassium iodide, sodium iodide, and lithium
• Nursing implications include administering the drug around the clock, assessing for therapeutic and adverse effects, and preventing interactions

Test your knowledge on antithyroid drugs and patient teaching with this quiz. Explore essential information on propylthiouracil, methimazole, iodine preparations, and propranolol. Brush up on pharmacokinetics, actions, uses, adverse effects, and nursing implications for propylthiouracil.