Medicines for Thyroid Disorders

About Thyroid Disorders

The thyroid is a small gland in the neck that controls how the body uses energy. An underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism) is common in Pakistan, especially in women, and causes tiredness, weight gain, feeling cold, dry skin and constipation.

An overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism, often Graves' disease) causes weight loss, a fast heartbeat, sweating, shaking and anxiety. A goitre is a swelling of the thyroid gland. Both are diagnosed with blood tests (TSH, T4).

Medicines used for Thyroid Disorders

Hypothyroidism is treated with levothyroxine (thyroxine) taken every morning on an empty stomach, with the dose adjusted by blood tests. An overactive thyroid is treated with carbimazole or propylthiouracil, and propranolol can ease a fast heartbeat and shaking while these start to work.

When to see a doctor

See a doctor if you have symptoms of thyroid disease, a swelling in your neck, or if you are pregnant or planning pregnancy while on thyroid medicine. Seek urgent help for a very fast heartbeat, high fever and confusion, or for a sore throat and fever while taking carbimazole.

This page is for general information only. Many of these medicines need a prescription; please use them only on the advice of a doctor or pharmacist, who can choose the right medicine and dose for you.