Antithyroid drugs: classification, names

Thyroid problems capture a significant amount of the population of the entire planet. There are many reasons for this, but with the diagnosed diseases caused by the increased production of thyroid hormones, so-called antithyroid drugs help to fight. What are these means, than they help the body when applied?

Thyroid problems

The thyroid gland is a word familiar to everyone, and many even know where it is located - in the lower larynx. But what is its role for the human body? The thyroid gland enters a complex endocrine system that is responsible for all processes occurring in the body. Iron thyroid, in particular, produces two important hormones - thyroxine and triiodothyronine, participating in metabolic processes, in the processes of growth and development of tissues and organs. Also thyrotoxic cells produce thyreocacaltone - a hormone responsible for phosphorus-calcium metabolism, and therefore for the condition of bones and human teeth.

Unnecessary activity

It would seem that since the thyroid produces such important hormones, the more active it is, the better it should be, all processes will go faster and stronger. But in fact, it's not like that at all. Nature contains the balance of everything that is in it, and the endocrine system of man in particular. If the thyroid gland is too active, then this is bad for the body, however, the lack of production of thyroid hormones is also fraught with many problems. Active thyroid activity causes hyperthyroidism or thyrotoxicosis.

What does antithyroid mean?

If the thyroid gland is too active, then antithyroid drugs help fight it . From the name of these medicines it is clear that they work against - against the thyroid gland. Such funds are still called thyreostatics. Medical products that are part of the group of antithyroid drugs, allow normalize the activity of the thyroid gland, reducing its activity, and therefore reduce the production of thyroid hormones.

Classification of antithyroid agents

Medical medications that help fight excessive thyroid activity are called "antithyroid drugs." Their classification is accepted all over the world and contains three groups of agents serving as antagonists of thyroid hormones:

• Drugs that interfere with the production of active iodine in the thyroid itself;
• Drugs that reduce the uptake of iodine by epithelial cells of the thyroid gland;
• Drugs that destroy iodine in the thyroid gland.

All drugs have a different chemical structure, and the way the drug acts depends on it.

Iodine as a medicine

Thyroid hormones are synthesized by epithelial cells of the thyroid gland, which capture iodine. If you add this substance to the human body, then there comes a decrease in the biosynthesis of thyroid hormones. There is also a violation of the ability of the gland to absorb iodine, which is in the blood. Pharmaceuticals offers two types of iodine medications that are involved in lowering the activity of the thyroid gland:

• Inorganic iodine - as a chemical element of nature;
• Organic iodine as synthesized diiodotyrosine - a component of thyroglobulin - a specific protein of the thyroid itself.

The drug of organic origin has antithyroid properties, which is actively used mainly in the preoperative period of patients with diffuse goiter, as well as to prevent complications in the postoperative period. Many of these drugs contain active levothyroxine sodium. Inorganic iodine is prescribed not only for the treatment of hyperthyroidism of the thyroid gland, but also as a preventive agent. Despite the seeming security, and antithyroid drugs with iodine, however, as well as any other medicines, should be taken only as prescribed by the doctor.

Thiourea, its derivatives and hyperthyroidism

Drugs that help reduce the excessive productivity of the thyroid gland, the so-called antithyroid drugs, can be divided into two types - natural, natural, substances such as iodine, and synthetic agents obtained as a result of chemical synthesis processes. The latter include thiourea and its derivatives - propylthiouracil, 1-methyl-2-mercaptoimidazole, 2-carboethoxy-mercapto-1-methylimidazole, 6-methylthiouracil. на основе производных тиомочевины позволяет снизить обмен йода в щитовидке путем снижения обменных процессов йода в самой щитовидной железе. Synthetic antithyroid drug based on thiourea derivatives allows to reduce iodine metabolism in the thyroid gland by reducing iodine metabolism in the thyroid gland itself.

What drugs help with thyroid hyperactivity?

антитиреоидные препараты. Derivatives of thioureas and iodine are part of the sought-after medicines used as antithyroid drugs. Which synthetic drug has an antithyroid characteristic? The names of these agents are different, but the main active substances are:

• Thiamazole;
• Propylthiouracil.

Thiamazole reduces the metabolic processes of iodine in the thyroid gland, thereby reducing its activity. This chemical substance is the basis of such medications as "Mercazolil", "Tyrozol", "Tiamzol", "Metizol".

Propylthiouracil suppresses the transformation of iodine in the thyroid gland, thereby causing its relation to a group called antithyroid drugs. на основе пропилтиоурацила чаще всего назначаются к применению в странах Западной Европы. Preparations based on propylthiouracil are most often prescribed for use in Western Europe. In our country, the only medicinal product on the basis of propylthiouracil - "Propitsil" - is on sale in the pharmacy network.

Since drugs for the treatment of hyperthyroidism and thyrotoxicosis have numerous side effects with respect to the cardiovascular, nervous system, as well as the liver, in conjunction with these drugs, associated drugs are prescribed for use.

In the treatment of certain diseases of the thyroid gland, radioactive iodine is used, which when taken into the body of the patient is captured by the thyroid gland cells and destroys it destructively, reducing activity and increased production of hormones. This drug gives the greatest positive result only after complete removal of the thyroid gland - thyroidectomy, since radioactive particles finally destroy the remaining cells of the organ. However, many patients with thyroid hyperactivity are prescribed preparations of radioactive iodine to normalize the condition.

Only by appointment!

Diseases of the thyroid gland are determined only by a set of diagnostic methods - tests, ultrasound, MRI or CT. To diagnose thyroid disease only on the basis of an anamnesis and from the words of the patient it is impossible! But when the problem is revealed, a competent doctor can prescribe the correct medication taking into account all specific factors. All drugs for the treatment of hyperthyroidism and thyrotoxicosis caused by increased productivity of the thyroid gland, have numerous side effects and application features. For example, the opposite effect may occur, when a drug that reduces the digestibility of iodine by the thyroid tissue, after a while becomes a catalyst for its activity to produce the missing amount of hormones. Illness comes back. Treatment of hyperthyroidism and thyrotoxicosis is always individual. When an accurate diagnosis is made, in no case should one engage in self-medication. Only adequately chosen therapy will allow to exclude surgical intervention and lifelong application of special hormonal means.

Antithyroid drugs are not honorable exhibits of pharmacy display cases, but they are the most important tools in preserving the health and even life of numerous patients with hyperactive thyroid gland.