Pharmaceutical Management of Hyperthyroidism / Thyroid Storm

Beta-Blockers 

• Decreases sympathetic hyperactivity 

• Partially blocks peripheral conversion of T4 to T3 (propranolol) 

Propylthiouracil (PTU) 

• Blocks synthesis of thyroid hormone 

• Decreases conversion of T4 to T3 

• Faster onset of action than methimazole 

• Preferred in pregnancy 

Methimazole 

• Blocks synthesis of thyroid hormone 

• Teratogenic

Iodine  

• Inhibits release of stored thyroid hormone 

• Administer only after synthetic pathway has been blocked by PTU or methimazole (approx. 1 hr) 

Steroids 

• Decrease peripheral conversion ofT4 to T3 

• May treat autoimmune process in Graves' disease 

• Treats adrenal insufficiency that may accompany storm 



#Hyperthyroidism #ThyroidStorm #Management #Pharmacology #Medications #Drugs