Single daily dose of methimazole compared to every 8 hours propylthiouracil in the treatment of hyperthyroidism.
This study to compare single-dose and multiple-dose antithyroid therapy was prompted by a perceived lack of compliance in our University Medical Clinics by those patients using multidose regimens. Twenty-two hyperthyroid patients were randomly assigned to two therapy groups. Twelve received methimazole (Tapazole) 30 mg once daily in the morning; 10 received propylthiouracil 100 mg every 8 hours. Patients were seen every 4 weeks for 3 months and assessed clinically, as well as having the appropriate thyroid tests done. Univariate analysis revealed no difference in the two groups at baseline. Posttreatment assessment revealed the once-a-day methimazole therapy to be just as effective as propylthiouracil in improving thyroid indices and clinical markers. Compliance with methimazole was 83.3% compared to 53.3% with propylthiouracil. In conclusion, once-a-day methimazole was just as effective as propylthiouracil every 8 hours in this population. Compliance was also improved with the once-a-day therapy.
Nicholas
W C
WC
Department of Medicine, School of Pharmacy, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, USA.
Fischer
R G
RG
Stevenson
R A
RA
Bass
J D
JD
D004334:Drug Administration Schedule; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006980:Hyperthyroidism / Q000097:blood / Q000188:drug therapy*; D008297:Male; D008713:Methimazole / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D010349:Patient Compliance; D011441:Propylthiouracil / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D013972:Thyrotropin / Q000097:blood; D013974:Thyroxine / Q000097:blood; D014284:Triiodothyronine / Q000097:blood
D014284:Triiodothyronine; D008713:Methimazole; D011441:Propylthiouracil; D013972:Thyrotropin; D013974:Thyroxine