Types of Medication for Thyroid

Thyroid hormones are essential for maintaining your body’s metabolism and other functions effectively.

The thyroid gland is a small butterfly-shaped gland that is located on the front part of the lower neck. This gland secretes thyroid hormone which is vital for controlling the body’s metabolism. Metabolism is the process where the cells in the body use energy gained from food. Low thyroid hormone levels can slow your metabolism rate, leading to the following symptoms:

• Low body temperature
• Slow heart rate
• Decreased rate at which your body burns calories

Oversecretion or undersecretion of thyroid hormones can lead to hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism, respectively.

An underactive thyroid or hypothyroidism refers to a condition where the body doesn’t produce sufficient thyroid hormones.

Hyperthyroidism occurs when the thyroid gland produces an excess amount of thyroid hormone. This condition is also known as an overactive thyroid. Hyperthyroidism can speed up metabolism, thereby leading to the following symptoms:

• Weight loss
• Hand tremors
• Rapid or irregular heartbeat

The most common medications for thyroid disorders include:

• Thyroid hormone replacement therapy: The most common medication used for hypothyroidism includes the synthetic thyroid hormone levothyroxine. It works as the regular thyroid hormone by replenishing adequate hormone levels. Other drugs include: 
  • Liothyronine (Cytomel)
  • Liotrix (Thyrolar)
  • Natural thyroid (Armour Thyroid, Nature-throid, Westhroid)

Drugs used for hyperthyroidism include:

• Antithyroid medicines: These drugs work by slowing the production of thyroid hormone and do not cause permanent damage. Examples include:
  • Propylthiouracil
  • Methimazole

The best medication depends on the type of disorder. Hypothyroidism may require thyroid hormone replacement therapy and hyperthyroidism may require antithyroid medicines.

Common side effects of thyroid replacement therapy include:

• Nervousness and anxiety
• Shakiness
• Fast heartbeat
• Sensitivity to heat
• Hunger
• Trouble sleeping
• Weight loss
• Sweating
• Thin skin and brittle hair
• Tiredness

Common side effects of antithyroid medicines include:

• Skin rash
• Upset stomach
• Drowsiness
• Bitter aftertaste

This is not a complete list of side effects and other serious side effects or health problems that may occur because of the use of this drug. Call your doctor for medical advice about serious side effects or adverse reactions. You may report side effects or health problems to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Yes, it is completely safe to take thyroid medications during pregnancy. Having a low or high amount of thyroid levels during pregnancy can cause problems for the mother and baby.

Antithyroid drugs are the main choice of drugs during pregnancy. Propylthiouracil may be used in the first trimester, which is substituted by methimazole in the next trimester. Antithyroid drugs are safe in low doses during breastfeeding. Radioiodine therapy should be avoided during pregnancy.

It is safe to drink alcohol while taking thyroid medications as they do not interact with each other. However, alcohol can cause flare-ups of symptoms. However, mild to moderate alcohol consumption can reduce the risk of developing Graves’ disease independent of age, sex, and smoking.