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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Dec 11, 2025

Generation of a Mouse Spontaneous Autoimmune Thyroiditis Model

Generation of a Mouse Spontaneous Autoimmune Thyroiditis Model

Published on: March 17, 2023

Antithyroid Drugs.

Hengameh Abdi¹, Atieh Amouzegar¹, Fereidoun Azizi¹

¹Endocrine Research Center, Research Institute for Endocrine Sciences, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.

Iranian Journal of Pharmaceutical Research : IJPR

|August 18, 2020

Summary

Thionamide drugs like methimazole (MMI) and propylthiouracil (PTU) are effective for hyperthyroidism. MMI is often preferred for its efficacy and safety, while PTU is recommended during early pregnancy.

Keywords:

Antithyroid Graves Hyperthyroidism Methimazole Propylthiouracil Thionamide

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Area of Science:

Endocrinology
Pharmacology
Internal Medicine

Background:

Thionamides, including carbimazole, methimazole (MMI), and propylthiouracil (PTU), have been mainstays in hyperthyroid management for decades.
These drugs are crucial for treating Graves' disease (GD) and other hyperthyroid conditions in diverse patient populations.

Purpose of the Study:

To review the efficacy, safety, and pharmacological aspects of thionamide antithyroid drugs (ATDs).
To compare MMI and PTU, highlighting their respective indications and contraindications, particularly concerning pregnancy.

Main Methods:

Literature review of studies on thionamide drugs (MMI, PTU) in hyperthyroidism management.
Analysis of clinical data regarding efficacy, safety profiles, and long-term use.

Main Results:

MMI is generally preferred due to better efficacy, fewer side effects, and convenient dosing, with proven safety in long-term use for GD.
PTU is the ATD of choice during pre-pregnancy and the first trimester due to MMI's teratogenic risks.
Thionamides demonstrate immunomodulatory effects, though mechanisms and adverse reaction factors require further investigation.

Conclusions:

Thionamides remain essential ATDs for hyperthyroidism, with MMI being the preferred agent in most cases.
Careful selection between MMI and PTU is necessary, especially considering pregnancy and potential adverse effects.
Ongoing research is vital to fully elucidate thionamide pharmacology and mechanisms of adverse reactions.