Antithyroid Drugs
TERMS
□ Strong iodine solution (Lugol’s solution)
□ Propylthiouracil (PTU)
QUICK LOOK AT THE CHAPTER AHEAD
Antithyroid drugs are used to treat hyperthyroidism. There are different types of hyperthyroidism, and the most common form of hyperthyroidism is Graves’ disease.
Antithyroid drugs decrease the basal metabolic rate by interfering with the action, formation, or release of thyroid hormones.1 Iodides, radioactive iodine, and thioamide derivatives treat the underlying cause of hypothyroidism, and beta-blockers treat the symptoms.2 A subtotal thyroidectomy is also used to treat hyperthyroidism.
Table 50-1 Antithyroid Drugs | ||||||||||||
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ANTITHYROID DRUGS CLIENT TEACHINGAll Antithyroid Drugs
Consult with health care provider before taking other OTC medications (as some contain iodine) or herbal remedies.
Continue follow-up care with health care provider so that periodic blood counts and thyroid function testing may be done.
Provide teaching about hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism.
Take as prescribed, do not skip or double dose, and avoid missing doses to prevent thyroid storm.
Notify health care provider if pregnant or breast-feeding.
Carry MedicAlert identification.
Avoid eating foods high in iodine such as soybeans, seafood, and iodized salt.
Maintain a journal to document therapy responses, such as weight, pulse, or mood, and report changes to health care provider.3
Consult with health care provider before taking other OTC medications (as some contain iodine) or herbal remedies.
Continue follow-up care with health care provider so that periodic blood counts and thyroid function testing may be done.
Avoid eating foods high in iodine such as soybeans, seafood, and iodized salt.Iodides
Discontinue and contact health care provider if you experience symptoms of iodism such as fever, skin rash, or metallic/brassy
taste; symptoms of a cold; neck and throat swelling; severe GI distress; or burning soreness in gums and teeth.4
Dilute liquid iodines in water or fruit juice and use a straw when taking to prevent staining of teeth.
Dilute liquid iodines in water or fruit juice and use a straw when taking to prevent staining of teeth.Radioactive Iodines
Teach clients to avoid radiation contamination by double flushing the toilet after use (urine and stool), and hand washing after toilet use.
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