Hyperthyroidism Medication 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.