Medicines for the thyroid – Tua Saúde

Medications such as levothyroxine, propylthiouracil or methimazole are used for the treatment of thyroid disorders, such as hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism or thyroiditis, helping to regulate the function of this gland and relieving the symptoms caused by these changes.

The performance of an early diagnosis by means of an adequate clinical evaluation, blood tests and imaging, as well as the presence of symptoms such as changes in weight, sudden changes in mood and irritability, and loss of appetite, for example, are important to know the cause and start the treatment.

For this reason, it is important to consult with the endocrinologist, the general physician, so that he can prescribe the appropriate medication and the time of use of the agreement at the origin of the alteration in the thyroid. Know the main thyroid diseases.

The objective of the medications for hypothyroidism is to maintain the thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) and the T₄ Plasma free within normal values, being used:

Levothyroxine

Levothyroxine is the drug of choice in cases of hypothyroidism, which is capable of replacing the hormone that is normally produced by the thyroid gland, thus allowing its replacement and maintaining its blood levels at normal values.

This should always be started in two low doses and adapted according to the exams of each person to avoid excess doses, which could cause side effects or even hyperthyroidism, especially in people of the third age, as they are more sensitive to the effects of the drug. You can find it under the commercial names of Synthroid, Eutirox, Tiroxin, Karet, Novotiral, Cynocuatro and Tirosint, for example.

The initial dose of levothyroxine for adults is around 25 to 50 mcg per day, it is recommended to take it about 30 minutes before a meal, as some foods can interfere with its absorption.

The drugs used in the treatment of hyperthyroidism are called antithyroid drugs, which are responsible for inhibiting the production of thyroid hormones, such as:

Propylthiouracil

Propylthiouracil (PTU) is an antithyroid drug that blocks the production of thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3), which are the main hormones that are synthesized in the thyroid gland, with the aim of preventing their action and reducing symptoms.

The initial dose of propylthiouracil for adults is orally, 300 to 600 mg daily in 4 divided doses. This agenda can be changed by the doctor to help reduce symptoms and normalize T concentrations.₄ through blood tests. Find out more about the exams to evaluate your thyroid.

Some of the secondary effects of the use of propylthiouracil in lupus, arthritis and aplastic anemia, which use should always be guided by an endocrinologist or general practitioner. This drug can be purchased from the pharmacy under the commercial name Tirostat.

Methimazole or Thiamazole

Methymazole or Thiamazol is indicated in cases of hyperthyroidism, thyrotoxic crisis and for the preparation of a thyroid extraction in people with hyperthyroidism, as well as the preparation before and after the application of radioactive iodine for the treatment of hyperthyroidism. an antithyroid action, inhibiting the production of thyroid hormones.

The dose of methimazole will depend on the severity of the hyperthyroidism, being able to start a dose of 15 mg in mild cases, 30-40 mg in moderate to severe cases and 60 mg in severe cases. Among the side effects of the use of this medication are nephrotic syndrome, hypoglycemia and loss of taste.

The dose of methimazole should be reduced gradually as the hormonal values ​​normalize. Furthermore, in cases of high doses of methimazole, it can be administered in combination with levothyroxine, with the aim of preventing drug-induced hypothyroidism.

The use of methimazole during embarrassment must always be guided by an endocrinologist, as it has been associated with an increased risk of fetal anomalies. You can buy them in pharmacies under the trade names: Tapazol, Tiarotec, Ganglioside, Metlin, Tapel-10 or Thyrozol, for example.

In certain cases, the use of medication may not be sufficient to treat hyperthyroidism, and therapies such as radioactive iodine or even thyroid surgery may be indicated by the doctor. Discover other treatment options for hyperthyroidism.

Medications to treat thyroid disorders can cause the emergence of some symptoms when the appropriate dose is reached for the person, such as:

• Weight changes;
• Increased sweating;
• Loss of appetite;
• tides;
• Weakness in the legs;
• sudden changes in mood and irritability;
• Nausea, vomiting and/or diarrhea;
• Hair fall;
• Comezon;
• somnolence;
• Temblores;
• Headache;
• Insomnia;
• Fever.

The dose of thyroid medication is not the same for everyone, with significant differences between patients. There are people who manage to have normal levels of thyroid hormones with low doses, while others need higher doses.

In this way, it is normal for the doctor to change the dose of the medication over time, which is why the endocrinologist requests regular blood tests and evaluates the symptoms presented, with the aim of finding the ideal dose for each case. This adjustment can take 3 to 6 months to be achieved and even after reaching the ideal point, the dose can be changed months or years later.

Does taking thyroid medication help weight loss?

When taking medication to treat hyperthyroidism, the person can get fat, you can slow down the metabolism. On the contrary, people who are under treatment for hypothyroidism can slim down, thanks to which the drug increases metabolism, generating a greater amount of fat, even without an increase in daily activities.

However, the use of thyroid medication is not recommended for the purpose of weight loss, as this can alter the function of the gland, producing symptoms that could seriously jeopardize the health of the person, which is why recommends going to a bariatrician and/or nutritionist for an adequate valuation and the beginning of an adequate treatment to lose weight in a healthy and controlled way.

When the patient presents a considerable weight loss, above 10% of the initial weight, the doctor can request exams again, since being below the ideal weight can bring risks to health.

See the continuation in the video, some nutritional recommendations that can favor the functioning of the thyroid: