What medications are approved to treat hyperthyroidism?
A. Two drugs are approved by FDA for treating overactive thyroid—propylthioracil (PTU) and methimazole (Tapezole.) These tablets work by slowing down the production of thyroid hormone. They are usually given in three equal doses about 8 hours a part. Common side effects can include skin rash, upset stomach, and drowsiness. More serious side effects are rare, but can include sore throat, fever, chills, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes), decreased white blood cells, and liver disease. Other treatment options for hyperthyroidism include surgery and radioactive iodine. Sometimes anti-thyroid drugs are used in conjunction with radioactive iodine, a therapy that reduces the production of thyroid hormone. This treats the problem of overactive thyroid, but usually results in the patient having an underactive thyroid, which also requires treatment. In addition to some of the therapies discussed above, some physicians may co-prescribe a medication called a beta-blocker to treat some of th
