Thyroid Medications and Treatments Quiz

• TSH is a synthetic compound used for diagnosing thyroid carcinoma by inducing iodine uptake in thyroid cells.
• Levothyroxine and liothyronine are thyroid hormone replacements, with levothyroxine (T4) being preferred due to its long half-life and stability.
• Dosing of levothyroxine varies based on conditions like pregnancy, oral contraceptive use, hepatic failure, elderly patients, and heart disease.
• Patients with heart disease require lower doses of thyroid hormone replacement due to the hormone's effects on the heart.
• Methimazole and PTU are used for hyperactive thyroid conditions like Graves' disease, blocking thyroid peroxidase and T4 to T3 conversion.
• PTU is preferred in the first trimester of pregnancy due to methimazole's teratogenic effects, switching to methimazole in later trimesters.
• Methimazole can cause aplastic anemia and teratogenic effects, while PTU can lead to severe hepatic toxicity.
• Iodine can be used as an anti-thyroid agent through high iodine doses or radio-labeled iodine for partial or complete destruction of thyroid glands.
• Propranolol is used to block the sympathetic nervous system in thyroid storm, along with methimazole or PTU to inhibit T4 and T3 synthesis.
• Hydrocortisone, propranolol, and PTU block the conversion of T4 to T3 in thyroid storm treatment.
• Plasmapheresis, cholestyramine, surgery (thyroid removal), or radioactive iodine are additional treatments for thyroid storm to remove circulating T4 and T3 and address the underlying cause.

Test your knowledge on medications and treatments for thyroid conditions like thyroid hormone replacements, anti-thyroid agents, and thyroid storm management. Learn about dosing considerations, preferred drugs for pregnancy, and potential side effects.