[Beta blockers in the treatment of hyperthyroidism]

Beta blockers are widely used as adjuvant therapy in the treatment of hyperthyroidism. They are usually combined with antithyroid drugs, iodine, in the period before the effect of radiotherapy occurs and in patients during preparation for partial surgical resection of the thyroid gland. In exceptional situations, in mild form of hyperthyroidism, when it is not possible to use other drugs, it may be useful to apply propranolol as a single drug. Oral doses are 40 to 80 mg every 6 or 8 hours. For intravenous application more useful are short-acting drugs. Drug is applied until remission of all symptoms of the disease. In this kind of therapy propranolol almost does not produce any untoward effects. Containdications for the application of beta blockers are: asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and congestive heart insufficiency.