Skip to main content
Tags: hyperthyroidism | medication | overactive | thyroid

Hyperthyroidism Medication: 4 Drugs for an Overactive Thyroid

By    |   Tuesday, 14 June 2016 08:04 PM EDT

Hyperthyroidism causes the thyroid gland in front of the neck to become overactive. Medication is prescribed treat the condition that produces too much thyroid hormone and increases the body’s metabolism.

Here are four types of prescribed hyperthyroidism medications:

Doctor: Your Tiny Thyroid Linked to Heart, Obesity, Diabetes, Arthritis and 59 Diseases! More Info Here

1. Antithyroid medications include propylthiouracil, or PTU, to prevent the thyroid gland from producing too much thyroid hormone, according to EndocrineWeb. The drug is often used for pregnant women with an overactive thyroid. PTU is known to have a lower risk of birth defects. Patients take the drug in three equal doses about eight hours apart.

2. Methimazole (Tapazole) may be prescribed for one, two, or three times daily because it is more concentrated than PTU. It reverses an overactive thyroid quickly, EndocrineWeb reports. It generally has fewer side effects than PTU.

Side effects for antithyroid medications may include nausea, heartburn, muscle or joint aches, swelling, numbness, and headaches. Although hyperthyroid symptoms are relieved in six to 12 weeks, some patients may experience a relapse when decreasing dosage. Medication may be prescribed for 12 to 18 months to reduce the chance of recurrence.

Urgent: Dr. Brownstein Reveals Important Thyroid Information You Need to Know

3. Beta blockers, often used to treat high blood pressure, are sometimes prescribed to reduce some symptoms of hyperthyroidism, including rapid heart rate and heart palpitations. They are used aside from other methods that reduce thyroid levels, the Mayo Clinic explains. Fatigue, dizziness, upset stomach, constipation, diarrhea, and headache are possible side effects.

4. Radioactive iodine is taken orally and absorbed into the thyroid gland. It shrinks the gland so symptoms usually subside in a few months, says MedicineNet. It is not used for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding. Monitoring the condition is important because the slowed-down gland might cause an underactive thyroid.

The radioactive iodine targets and destroys thyroid cells. Since surrounding tissue is not usually affected, there are no major side effects, according to MedicineNet. This method of hyperthyroidism medication is generally used for patients who can’t tolerate antithyroid drugs and those who have Graves’ disease, an autoimmune disorder that causes an overactive thyroid.

Special: Real Truth About Iodized Salt. The Food Industry Doesn't Want You to Know This!

© 2024 Newsmax. All rights reserved.


FastFeatures
Hyperthyroidism causes the thyroid gland in front of the neck to become overactive. Medication is prescribed treat the condition that produces too much thyroid hormone and increases the body's metabolism.
hyperthyroidism, medication, overactive, thyroid
384
2016-04-14
Tuesday, 14 June 2016 08:04 PM
Newsmax Media, Inc.

Sign up for Newsmax’s Daily Newsletter

Receive breaking news and original analysis - sent right to your inbox.

(Optional for Local News)
Privacy: We never share your email address.

PLEASE NOTE: All information presented on Newsmax.com is for informational purposes only. It is not specific medical advice for any individual. All answers to reader questions are provided for informational purposes only. All information presented on our websites should not be construed as medical consultation or instruction. You should take no action solely on the basis of this publication’s contents. Readers are advised to consult a health professional about any issue regarding their health and well-being. While the information found on our websites is believed to be sensible and accurate based on the author’s best judgment, readers who fail to seek counsel from appropriate health professionals assume risk of any potential ill effects. The opinions expressed in Newsmaxhealth.com and Newsmax.com do not necessarily reflect those of Newsmax Media. Please note that this advice is generic and not specific to any individual. You should consult with your doctor before undertaking any medical or nutritional course of action.

 
TOP

Interest-Based Advertising | Do not sell or share my personal information

Newsmax, Moneynews, Newsmax Health, and Independent. American. are registered trademarks of Newsmax Media, Inc. Newsmax TV, and Newsmax World are trademarks of Newsmax Media, Inc.

NEWSMAX.COM
America's News Page
© Newsmax Media, Inc.
All Rights Reserved
Download the NewsmaxTV App
Get the NewsmaxTV App for iOS Get the NewsmaxTV App for Android Scan QR code to get the NewsmaxTV App
NEWSMAX.COM
America's News Page
© Newsmax Media, Inc.
All Rights Reserved