Antithyroid Drugs (ATDs)
ATDs drugs can be very successful in reaching remission in the case of mild to slightly moderate Graves' disease. In more severe cases, ATDs don't really stand a chance, which is why early diagnosis is so important! ADTs are also often used to lower the antibodies prior to RAI or surgery.
Tapazole and Propylthiouracil in Graves Disease
"With respect to medical or drug therapy for a patient recently diagnosed with Graves' disease the use of selective drugs (antithyroid drugs) to reduce thyroid activity can be employed. Therefore, it is important that each individual with Graves' disease be informed of all aspects of the commonly used antithyroid drugs."
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UK Patients - Antithyroid Medicines
"The most commonly used antithyroid drug in the UK is carbimazole, followed by propylthiouracil. Carbimazole and propylthiouracil belong to a class (group) of medicines called thionamides. Thionamides have similar actions on the thyroid gland."
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Effect of long-term continuous methimazole treatment of hyperthyroidism: comparison with radioiodine
Results: There was no significant difference in age, sex, duration of symptoms and thyroid function between the two groups. No serious complications occurred in any of the patients. The cost of treatment was lower in group 1 than in group 2. At the end of 10 years, goiter rate was greater and antithyroperoxidase antibody concentration was higher in group 1 than in group 2. Serum cholesterol and low density lipoprotein-cholesterol concentrations were increased in group 2 as compared with group 1; relative risks were 1.8 (1.12–2.95, P < 0.02) and 1.6 (1.09–2.34, P < 0.02) respectively. Bone mineral density and echocardiographic measurements were not different between the two groups.
Conclusion: Long-term continuous treatment of hyperthyroidism with MMI is safe. The complications and the expense of the treatment do not exceed those of radioactive iodine therapy.
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Food and Drug Interactions
"Food can interact with the effectiveness of medications in many different ways. Food can change the rate at which medication is absorbed into the bloodstream. Food can also increase or decrease the total amount of the medication absorbed. Therefore, food can alter the time of medications' reaction in the body and the total amount of medication delivered."
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MedicineNet drug info: Methimazole, Tapazole, Northyx
Methimazole is used for treating hyperthyroidism. It also is used for decreasing symptoms of hyperthyroidism in preparation for surgical removal of the thyroid gland or before inactivating the thyroid gland with radioactive iodine. Long-term use of methimazole may lead to a remission of the hyperthyroidism. Side effects: The most common are related to the skin and include rash, itching, hives, abnormal hair loss, and skin pigmentation.
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Patient Information: Antithyroid Drugs (ATDs)
Antithyroid drugs (also called thionamides) are most often used to treat an overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism) caused by Graves' disease. These drugs block the formation of thyroid hormone by the thyroid gland.
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