Drugs used in the treatment of thyroid diseases Flashcards
Which body cells directly intake iodide ions?
Only the thyroid cells, as they have the symporter
What are the main pharmacological targets to inhibit the formation of thyroxine?
1) “MAINLY” Target the peroxidase enzyme, which is responsible for the iodination and coupling of the tyrosine residues (via drugs called thioamide drugs)
2) Inhibit the uptake of iodide by giving a high saturation of potassium iodide
3) Lithium, a bipolar drug can also be used in hyperthyroidism
What does Anti-TPO indicate if detected in the tests?
That the peroxidase enzyme is getting attacked resulting in a decreased production of the thyroid hormone = hypothyroidism
What does Anti-TGAb indicate in the blood?
There are enzymes against thyroglobulins which also means that there is less thyroid hormone being synthesized and thus hypothyroidism
What does anti-TSI indicate in the blood?
There is an antibody that overstimulates the thyroid gland which could mean excess thyroid hormone and thus hyperthyroidism
What is the relationship between TSH and FT4 (Free thyroid hormone)?
Inverse relationship
What is the normal range of TSH?
0.4-4.5 mIU/L
What are the drugs that affects the secretion of TSH?
1) Decreases TSH:
- D2-receptor agonists (Dopamine, Dobutamine, levodopa, cabergoline, bromocriptine)
- Octreotide (AKA GHIH)
- Glucocorticoids
- Metformin
2) Increases TSH secretion:
- D2-receptor antagonists (Metoclopramide and domperidone)
- These are the side effects of those drugs
What is the non-pharmacological therapy of hyperthyroidism?
Surgery, when the thyroid gets enlarged, with severe ophthalmopathy, and there is a lack of remission using antithyroid drugs
What are the drugs used in the preparation for thyroidectomy?
1) Thionamides
- Reduces the synthesis of thyroid hormone
2) Beta-blockers
- Inhibits T3 production preventing arrhythmias
3) Supersaturated iodine
- Reduces gland vascularity via the Wolff-chaikoff effect
4) Lithium carbonate
- Alternative for patients not responding to iodine or thionamides blocking the release of thyroid hormone
5) Dexamethasone
- Reduces the levels of TSH and inhibits the deionization of T4
What are the different classes of pharmacological therapies for hyperthyroidism?
1) Antithyroid medications
2) Iodides
3) Adrenergic blockers
4) Radioactive iodine
What are the antithyroid medications?
1) Methimazole
2) Propylothiouracil
What is the mechanism of action of methimazole (MMI)?
It inhibits the coupling of MIT and DIT to T4 & T3
What is the mechanism of action of propylthiouracil (PTU)?
- They inhibit the coupling of MIT and DIT to T3 & T4
- It also inhibits the peripheral conversion of T4 to T3 (prevents activation in peripheral tissue)
- More effective, (propylthiouracil acts peripherally and it’s the drug of choice for pregnant women)
What are the adverse effects of antithyroid medications?
1) Congenital malformation (with Methimazole)
2) Agranulocytosis (severe reduction in the number of granulocytes)
Transient
3) Arthralgias
4) Pruritic maculopapular rashes
5) Fevers
6) Hepatotoxicity (not transient)
7) Benign transient leukopenia
What is the mechanism of action of iodides?
1) It acutely blocks the release of thyroid hormone
2) It inhibits the thyroid hormone biosynthesis
3) It decreases the size of the gland
- helpful especially in goiters to decrease the size of the gland before surgery
- However, in large doses, it might exacerbate hyperthyroidism
When is the use of iodides contraindicated?
In multinodular goiters