Antithyroid

Antithyroid drugs are a class of medications used to treat hyperthyroidism, a condition in which the thyroid gland produces too much thyroid hormone. They work by blocking the production of thyroid hormones, thereby reducing the body's levels of these hormones. The two main types of antithyroid drugs are thionamides and iodine-based drugs. Thionamides act by blocking the enzyme responsible for producing thyroid hormones, while iodine-based drugs reduce the body's ability to absorb iodine, an essential element for the synthesis of thyroid hormones. Common side effects include nausea, vomiting, and rash. Long-term use of antithyroid drugs can lead to hypothyroidism, a condition in which the body produces too little thyroid hormone.