Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 20, 2026

A Protocol for Safe Lithiation Reactions Using Organolithium Reagents
Published on: November 12, 2016
Successful outcome with methimazole and lithium combination therapy for propylthiouracil-induced hepatotoxicity
M Waseem1, K G Seshadri, U M Kabadi
1Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Cook County Hospital, Chicago, Illinois 60612, USA.
Objective:
To assess the efficacy and safety of combination therapy with methimazole and lithium carbonate in management of severe thyrotoxicosis and propylthiouracil-induced hepatotoxicity.
Methods:
We present a case report of a patient with severe thyrotoxicosis and worsening liver dysfunction after propylthiouracil therapy, and we review the pertinent literature.
Results:
In a 49-year-old man with severe thyrotoxicosis and propylthiouracil-induced hepatotoxicity, indices of liver function continued to increase despite discontinuation of propylthiouracil treatment. Adjunctive therapy with methimazole and lithium resulted in prompt remission of clinical manifestations and normalization of thyroid hormone indices, as well as a gradual reversal of liver dysfunction.
Conclusion:
Adjunctive therapy with methimazole and lithium is synergistic in promptly achieving a euthyroid state. Therefore, this combination therapy provides a safe and effective alternative option in patients with thyrotoxicosis associated with propylthiouracil-induced hepatotoxicity.
Related Concept Videos
Synthesis and Regulation of Thyroid Hormones
Upon reaching the thyroid gland, TSH stimulates the follicular cells' active uptake of iodide ions from the blood. The ions diffuse to the apical surface of the cells and are oxidized to iodine. The iodine is then...
Mania and Antimanic Drugs: Overview
Phase II Reactions: Methylation Reactions
The mechanism of methylation unfolds in two stages. The first stage sees a methyltransferase enzyme facilitating the transfer of a methyl group from S-adenosylmethionine (SAM) to the substrate, forming S-adenosylhomocysteine (SAH). The second stage involves further metabolism of SAH into homocysteine, which can be recycled...
Effect of Hepatic Disease on Pharmacokinetics: Pathophysiologic Assessment and Liver Function Test
Pharmaceutical Poisoning: Treatment Strategies
Antiprotozoal Agents
