Low-dosed Antithyroid Drug Monotherapy in Hyperthyroidism

Summary

In the antithyroid drug therapy, an initial treatment with low doses (10—15 mg) of methimazole (MMI) leads to satisfactory improvement in nearly all cases and even 5 mg MMI are sufficient in more than 50% of all patients. Additional intake of thyroid hormones (Th) is not necessary, if the MMI-dosage is reduced accordingly to the individual course of treatment. Consequent follow-up is to recommend anyway, particulary under the higher MMI-doses and in the first time, respectively. Consecutive measurement of total T-3 helps in assessment of euthyroidism under treatment, whereas the response to MMI is indicated more correct by total T-4. Serial determinations of serum-TSH are very helpful to decide about the cessation of treatment. If any goitre growth occurs, it seems not to be TSH-mediated in every case. Skin reactions as side-effect of high MMI-doses can be prevented by use of low doses.

Key words

Hyperthyroidism - MMI-monotreatment