Thyroid Medications

The thyroid gland is one of the most strategic glands in the human body and also one of the biggest endocrine glands. Endocrine glands are those glands that directly release the hormones into the blood, as opposed to exocrine glands, that release hormones into ducts. The thyroid gland mainly produces two hormones, triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4). The thyroid gland is located below the thyroid cartilage in the neck. Dysfunction in the thyroid gland leads to an increase/decrease in the production of thyroid hormones, both these conditions being detrimental to overall human health. An overactive thyroid gland may create thyroid problems such as Graves' disease and thyroid storm due to over secretion of hormones, while an underactive thyroid may create complications such as thyroiditis due to low secretions. The other diseases associated with thyroid gland are goitre, thyroid cancer and cretinism.

Thyroid Medications

The thyroid can be affected by a number of conditions whether related to over secretion, under secretion, or not related to secretion at all! Lets us examine the medication for each condition one by one.

Hypothyroidism: Hypothyroidism may occur due to either deficiency in T3 or T4. Low normal thyroid medications depend upon which hormone is deficient. In case of a Thyroxine deficiency, artificial supplements of thyroxine are given called levothyroxine. Levothyroxine, which is synthetically created thyroxine, bears the same properties and performs the same functions. It can be taken either orally or by an intravenous medium. It is usually taken once a day, subject to monthly evaluation of its effects and side-effects. Review your consumption or dosage in case of palpitation, anxiety or other unusual side effects.

In case of a triiodothyronine deficiency, dosages of liothyronine are administered two to three times a day. Liothyronine has to be consumed several times owing to its short life span. It is absorbed faster too because it has a number of uses. Armour thyroid medication, a natural thyroid medication, is a desiccated pig thyroid extract which contains both T3 and T4.

Hyperthyroidism: In case the thyroid is releasing more hormones than the body requires it is called hyperthyroidism. There are thyroid medications available to curb that flow. Propylthiouracil (PTU) and methimazole are used to control the hormone production in the thyroid. PTU has to be taken 2-3 times a day while methimazole has to be taken once a day.

Other Thyroid Medications: Other thyroid medications for thyroid related problems include beta-blockers that help control the consequent effects hyperthyroidism, especially the heart-related ones. Iodide solutions are used before a thyroid surgery as it reduces the secretion of hormones for that short period of time. Iodide solutions are used mainly in operations treating Graves' disease. One of the strongest thyroid medications is Radioactive Iodine (I-131) which is used primarily to kill cancerous cells in the thyroid but is also used to treat hyperthyroidism and nontoxic multi-nodular goitre. The best thing about I-131 medication is that it is really effective and side-effects are rare. However, it is not advisable to administer I-131 to pregnant women.

When to Take Thyroid Medication?

Why do you take thyroid medication in the morning is a very common question asked by most people suffering from thyroid problems. The answer, as most doctors will tell you, is that thyroid medication is best taken on an empty stomach. One should also not eat anything for at least 30 minutes after taking the medicine so that it will be absorbed in the digestive tract. Drinking water with the medicines will help speed up the absorption process.

A thyroid problem is one you cannot miss easily. It shows up quite easily and should be cured as early as possible to avoid the various problems and diseases associated with it. Prompt medical attention goes a long way in helping to cure thyroid problems.