In: Nursing
PTU FOR HYPERTHYROIDISM
Propylthiouracil is a oral drug used to control hyperthyroidism. Hyperthyroidism is the increased production of thyroxine,more than what is required.Hyperthyroidism increases metabolism. Some of the symptoms of hyperthyroidism are weight loss,sweating,irritability,rapid or irregular heartbeat etc.
MECHANISM OF ACTION OF PTU
The 2 hormones produced by the thyroid gland are thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine(T3). These are formed by combining iodine and a protein called thyroglobulin with the assistance of an enzyme called peroxidase. PTU inhibits normal interactions of iodine and peroxidase with thyroglobulin to produce T3 and T4. This results in the decreased production of thyroid hormone. PTU also interferes with the conversion of T4 to T3.,since T3 is more potent than T4 ,this also reduces the activity of thyroid hormones.
LEVOTHYROXINE AFTER THYROIDECTOMY
When the thyroid gland is removed by the surgery (thyroidectomy), patient becomes hypothyroid. Since thyroid hormones have such a vital role in the normal functioning of the human body, thyroid hormone replacement therapies are started. Thyroid hormones helps to regulate many body functions and have a major role in metabolism. Also it is essential for normal growth and development of human body.
To compensate the hypothyroid state caused by the surgery,patient requires life long therapy with thyroid hormones. LEVOTHYROXINE is prescribed on a daily basis as the treatment of choice to replace thyroid hormones. After surgery ,initial dose is prescribed according to the patient's body weight, then after some weeks it is adjusted according to the blood test result(level of T3 & T4 in the blood).