Definition
"Hyperthyroidism" is a complex syndrome characterized by marked overproduction of thyroid hormones: the thyroid gland used for the synthesis of T3 and T4 is hyperactive, consequently there is a significant acceleration of metabolism, especially in terms of oxygen consumption and production heat.
Causes
Many are the underlying causes of hyperthyroidism: toxic adenoma (or hyperfunctioning), immoderate intake of thyroid drugs (generally for slimming purposes), toxic multinodular goiter, overproduction of TSH, Graves' disease - Basedow. The subjects most at risk of hyperthyroidism are women aged between 20 and 40, although the disease can affect anyone, at any age.
Symptoms
The inexplicable increase in heart rate and the sudden weight loss, associated with excessive sweating and swollen lymph nodes in the neck, are the typical symptoms of hyperthyroidism; these obvious signs can also be accompanied by a series of more or less significant symptoms: alopecia, alteration of menstrual and mood regularity, decline in sexual desire, weakness, diarrhea, goiter, osteoporosis, intense thirst, tendency to irritability, tremors.
Diet and Nutrition
Information on Hyperthyroidism - Drugs for the Treatment of Hyperthyroidism is not intended to replace the direct relationship between health professional and patient. Always consult your doctor and / or specialist before taking Hyperthyroidism - Drugs for Treatment of Hyperthyroidism.
drugs
The treatment of hyperthyroidism must be established as a function of the triggering cause, and may be purely pharmacological (using thyrostatic drugs), surgical (removal of part or whole thyroid) or radioactive with iodine 131 (radiometabolic therapy) .
It is important to undergo a specialist check where symptoms are evident: postponing the diagnosis, in fact, could lead to unpleasant complications such as fibrillation, osteoporosis, neuro-psychiatric complications and, in case of hyperthyroidism dependent on Graves' Disease - Basedow, ophthalmopathy.
In drug therapy, the intake of thyrostatic drugs can be supported by the simultaneous administration of active ingredients (beta-blockers) useful for the control of symptoms such as tachycardia and mood alteration.
Following a diet rich in iodine is fundamental in the context of hyperthyroidism: moreover, before a thyroidectomy, the patient is generally treated with an iodine-based solution, called "Lugol's reagent", for a period of time varying from 10 to 14 days, in association with antithyroid drugs. This solution seems particularly useful before a thyroid excision procedure, either to inhibit the synthesis of thyroid hormones, or to better compact the glandular parenchyma (which decreases the probability of bleeding during surgery).
- Iodine 131: this substance is the protagonist of radiometabolic therapy, widely used to treat hyperthyroidism in surgically inoperable patients. The administration of radioactive iodine is also indicated for those patients suffering from cardiac disorders (cardiopathies), presenting relapsing forms of hyperthyroidism after thyroidectomy. The drug is generally taken by mouth, the intramuscular and intravenous routes are rarely considered. The dose should be prescribed by the doctor after an accurate diagnosis of the patient; the therapeutic effects of the drug can be observed only after 4-5 weeks of treatment. Excessive doses of iodine 131 can cause the opposite effect, hypothyroidism: in the latter case, the hormonal alteration can easily be controlled by taking a daily drug (Levothyroxine sodium) (for a lifetime). Eutirox). Do not take during pregnancy.
- Methimazole or Tiamazole (eg Tapazole): in Italy, Methimazole is the drug of choice for the treatment of hyperthyroidism: the initial dose varies from 15 to 60 mg per day (divided into three doses); the maintenance dose is 1-15 mg per day.
- Carbimazole (eg Carbotiroid): drug of choice for the treatment of hyperthyroidism in British territory. The drug should be taken for one or two years, given the high risk of relapse of post-suspension hyperthyroidism of the drug. This anti-thyroid active ingredient can cause various types of itching and rashes: the aforementioned side effects must not be too alarming, as they can be kept under control by administering other targeted drugs (antihistamines).
- Propylthiouracil (eg Propycil): to be used if the patient is sensitive or allergic to carbimazole. It is recommended to take the drug at the dose indicated by your doctor: an immoderate use of the drug can cause hypothyroidism. The drug belongs to the class of thionamides, and performs its therapeutic action as an immunosuppressant: it is recommended to prolong the therapy for at least 12 months, to allow the drug to perform its therapeutic activity to the maximum and to reduce the chances of relapses of hyperthyroidism. Although the drug can also be administered to pregnant women, its use is not recommended, unless it is a case of severe or extreme cases: this drug, in fact, could cause fetal goiter and hypothyroidism to the unborn child.
- Potassium iodide (eg Potas IO FN, available as tablets or oral solution): take on the other hand 250 mg of drug three times a day. Take the drug 10-14 days before surgery. It is possible to take the drug at the dosage of 2-6 drops at 5-10% (iodine solution) orally, three times a day, on a full stomach.
- Potassium perchlorate (eg Peritroid): potassium perchlorate is also widely used in therapy to treat hyperthyroidism (possibly associated with thyroid nodules). The drug is available in the form of 200 mg tablets: it is recommended to take 3-4 tablets per day (600-800 mg), divided into three doses. The first benefits of this drug for the treatment of hyperthyroidism are generally appreciable after a month of treatment.
