Class: Antithyroid Drugs

Examples: Mechanism of Action

Methimazole Agonist 1– inhibiting the iodine
Indications Propylthiouracil
molecules from being combined into
the amino acid tyrosine.
Hyperthyroidism and to
Agonist 2 – Propylthiouracil can inhibit
prevent a surge in thyroid
the conversion of T4 to T3. The
hormones that occur
after the surgical
Mechanism of
treatment of or during
radioactive iodine Action can lead
therapy.
Adverse Effects
to adverse effects
Contraindications Liver and bone marrow toxicity

Drug allergy Headache, drowsiness, vertigo, fever,

nausea, vomiting, rash, pruritus,
USE WITH CAUTION smoky urine, myalgia, arthralgia,
leukopenia, jaundice, hepatitis, and
pregnancy nephritis.
The nurse should take

Nursing Considerations steps to prevent or treat

pregnancy
Take preventative measures and treat adverse reactions. adverse reactions

Assess for signs and symptoms of thyroid crisis.

Monitor cardiac irregularities and behavioral changes

Reference: Lilley, Collins, Harrington, Snyder. (2011). Pharmacology and the Nursing Process. St. Louis, MO: Mosby, Elsevier Inc.