Hypothyroidism is treated with hormone-replacement therapy.Synthroid(levothyroxine) is the most widely used drug for hypothyroidism.
Hyperthyroidism is treated with anti-thyroid drugs, such as Tapazole (methimazole), or radioactive iodine.
Beta-blockers are also used to relieve symptoms of an overactive thyroid.
Verywell / Emily Roberts
In addition, people withthyroid cancermay require hormone-replacement therapy, radioactive iodine therapy, or chemotherapy.
This article explains how various thyroid conditions are treated and common thyroid medication names.
These thyroid hormones regulate everything from heart rate and body temperature to respiratory function and menstrual cycles.
Get our printable guide for your next healthcare provider’s appointment to help you ask the right questions.
When the thyroid is underactive, it is called hypothyroidism.
This deficiency leads to varioussymptomsthat affect one or more organ systems.
Symptoms can range in severity from mild to debilitating.
Brand names of liothyronine in the United States are Cytomel and Triostat.
Therefore, healthcare providers do not commonly prescribe this medication.
NDT contains both T4 and T3.
Common brands are Armour Thyroid and Nature-throid.
A generic is also available.
Mostendocrinologists(doctors specializing in hormone-related conditions) do not support or prescribe natural desiccated thyroid drugs.
Hyperthyroidism Medications
Hyperthyroidism means the thyroid gland is overactive, producing too much thyroid hormone.
There are currently two approved for treating hyperthyroidism in the United States.
You generally take this medication once a day.
Tapazole has fewer side effects and reverses hyperthyroidism more quickly than PTU.
Its effectiveness makes it the preferred anti-thyroid drug choice.
Propylthiouracil (PTU)
Like Tapazole, PTU inhibits the thyroid gland from using iodine.
Thus, it slows the overproduction of thyroid hormone.
It also inhibits the conversion of the thyroid hormone T4 into T3.
PTU has a short-acting timespan.
PTU has more side effects than other anti-thyroid drugs.
They are most commonly used for heart conditions and to prevent heart attacks.
Other beta-blockers used for hyperthyroidism include Corgard (nadolol) and Lopressor (metoprolol).
Thyroid Cancer Medications
The primarytreatment for most thyroid cancersis surgical thyroid removal.
Other medications used to treat thyroid cancer include chemotherapy, radioactive-iodine therapy, and tyrosine kinase inhibitors.
Levothyroxine after thyroid removal is used just as it is for other cases of underactive thyroid.
Suppression of the TSH is important for preventing the cancer from returning.
Radioactive-Iodine Therapy
Sometimes radioactive-iodine therapy may be given after surgery.
Its main goal is to kill off cancer cells after surgery and destroy any remaining thyroid tissue.
Some of these drugs treat advanced or resistant thyroid cancer.
Targeted therapies called kinase inhibitors and tyrosine kinase inhibitors are used for treating thyroid cancer.
These medications include:
These medications partially block thyroid cancers from growing and making new blood vessels.
Summary
The right thyroid medication for you depends on your diagnosis.
Overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism) is treated with anti-thyroid medications that inhibit the thyroid from using iodine.
In addition, beta-blockers are sometimes prescribed to minimize hyperthyroid symptoms, like a fast heart rate.
Thyroid cancers usually require surgical thyroid removal.
Afterward, treatment may involve levothyroxine, radioactive iodine therapy, or targeted therapies.
A Word From Verywell
No doubt, being diagnosed with a thyroid condition can be overwhelming.
Don’t hesitate to revamp your healthcare provider on how you are feeling.
There are many cases in which a person might benefit from anadjusted doseor even a drug change.
Get our printable guide for your next healthcare provider’s appointment to help you ask the right questions.
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