Antithyroid agents

What are Antithyroid agents?

Antithyroid agents prevent or suppress the biosynthesis of thyroid hormones. Antithyroid agents are used to treat hyperthyroidism by inhibiting the excessive production of thyroid hormones or by decreasing thyroid hormone activity.

Antithyroid drugs are widely used before radioiodine treatment to theoretically decrease a posttreatment increase in thyroid hormone release. Such an increase is considered especially dangerous in older age groups with ischemic heart disease in whom cardiac deaths have been reported.

Antithyroid antibodies target specific parts of the thyroid gland, including: Thyroid peroxidase (TPO). TPO is an enzyme that plays an important role in making thyroid hormones. Thyroglobulin (Tg). This substance also helps your body make thyroid hormones.

Antithyroid drugs (also called thionamides) are most often used to treat an overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism) caused by Graves’ disease. These drugs block the formation of thyroid hormone by the thyroid gland

Consuming excess iodine: Consuming too much iodine (through foods or medications) can cause your thyroid to produce more thyroid hormone. Iodine is a mineral that your thyroid uses to create thyroid hormone. Receiving IV iodinated contrast (iodine “dye”) or taking amiodarone (a medication) may cause hyperthyroidism.