title: Low-dosed antithyroid drug monotherapy in hyperthyroidism.
abstract: 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, particularly 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.
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D005260:Female; D006042:Goiter / Q000473:pathology; D006801:Humans; D006980:Hyperthyroidism / Q000188:drug therapy*; D008297:Male; D008713:Methimazole / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D008875:Middle Aged; D011433:Propranolol / Q000627:therapeutic use; D013972:Thyrotropin / Q000097:blood; D013974:Thyroxine / Q000097:blood
chemical_list: D008713:Methimazole; D013972:Thyrotropin; D011433:Propranolol; D013974:Thyroxine