Treatment | Some Potential Side Effects | Comments |
---|---|---|
Thionamides | ||
Carbimazole Methimazole Propylthiouracil | Allergic reactions (usually rashes) Nausea Peculiar taste Infection (rare) due to a low white blood cell count Liver dysfunction (primarily propylthiouracil) Joint aching | Decrease the production of thyroid hormones |
Nonmetallic element | ||
Iodine | Rash Pain in the salivary glands | Decreases the production and release of thyroid hormones |
Beta-blockers | ||
Atenolol Metoprolol Propranolol | In people with lung disease, may cause wheezing Can worsen symptoms of peripheral vascular disease Can cause depression May reduce blood pressure (hypotension) | Block many of the stimulating effects of excess thyroid hormones on the heart |
Radioactive isotope | ||
Radioactive iodine | Hypothyroidism | Destroys the thyroid gland |
Surgery | ||
Thyroidectomy | Hypothyroidism | Removes all or part of the thyroid gland |