ANTITHYROID DRUGS Meaning and
Definition
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Antithyroid drugs refer to a group of medications that are specifically designed to hinder the production of thyroid hormones by the thyroid gland. The thyroid gland plays a crucial role in regulating various bodily processes, including metabolism, growth, and development. However, in some medical conditions, such as hyperthyroidism, where the thyroid gland is overactive and produces excessive amounts of thyroid hormones, antithyroid drugs are employed to counteract the excessive hormone production.
These drugs work by impeding the synthesis of thyroid hormones, namely thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3), by interfering with the functioning of the enzyme thyroperoxidase. Thyroperoxidase is an essential enzyme required for the synthesis of thyroid hormones. By inhibiting its activity, antithyroid drugs effectively reduce the conversion of iodide to iodine and the subsequent attachment of iodine to a protein called thyroglobulin, ultimately preventing the production of thyroid hormones.
There are two main types of antithyroid drugs - thionamides and iodides. Thionamides, such as methimazole and propylthiouracil (PTU), work by directly interfering with thyroperoxidase. They prevent the synthesis of thyroid hormones by partially or completely blocking the enzyme's activity. Iodides, on the other hand, do not inhibit thyroperoxidase. Instead, they temporarily suppress its activity by saturating the gland with iodine, ultimately reducing the production of thyroid hormones.
Antithyroid drugs are commonly used in the treatment of hyperthyroidism, Graves’ disease, goiter, and thyroid storm. They help in restoring normal thyroid hormone levels and alleviating the symptoms associated with excessive thyroid hormone production, such as
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Etymology of ANTITHYROID DRUGS
The word "antithyroid" is formed by combining the prefix "anti-" which means against or opposite, and the word "thyroid" which refers to the thyroid gland. "Thyroid" comes from the Greek word "thyreoeidḗs" meaning shield-shaped, which describes the shape of the gland.
The term "antithyroid drugs" refers to medications that work against or oppose the functioning of the thyroid gland. These drugs are used to treat conditions such as hyperthyroidism, where the thyroid overproduces hormones. They help reduce the production of thyroid hormones, thus counteracting the effects of an overactive thyroid.
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