Antithyroid medicines: What They Do, Medicines
Also in: हिन्दी தமிழ் मराठी తెలుగు ಕನ್ನಡ বাংলা ગુજરાતી മലയാളം
Antithyroid medicines are prescription medicines that lower the amount of hormone the thyroid gland makes. They are used to treat an overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism). Carbimazole is the one in common use in India, taken under a doctor's supervision with regular blood tests.
Pharmacist review in progress. This page is based on the sources listed below and is being checked by our registered pharmacist.
How do Antithyroid medicines work?
They stop the thyroid gland from using iodine to build thyroid hormone, so hormone levels in the blood fall and symptoms such as a racing heart and shakiness ease.
Active ingredients of this type
These active ingredients belong to Antithyroid medicines. They are listed A to Z.
- Carbimazole: Carbimazole is a prescription medicine for an overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism).
Common questions
Why do I need blood tests on an antithyroid medicine?
Blood tests show the level of thyroid hormone so the doctor can set and adjust the dose. A sore throat, fever or mouth ulcers should also be reported at once, because these medicines can rarely lower the white blood cell count.
Are antithyroid medicines taken for life?
Usually not. Treatment often lasts 12 to 18 months, after which the doctor lowers and stops the dose, though some people need longer. Do not stop on your own, because the overactive thyroid can return.
Sources
- Carbimazole. NHS (UK)
- Carbimazole: how and when to take it. NHS (UK)
- Carbimazole: side effects. NHS (UK)
- Overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism). NHS (UK)
- ATC/DDD Index: H03BB Sulfur-containing imidazole derivatives. WHO Collaborating Centre for Drug Statistics Methodology