What it means
A thioamide drug used for hyperthyroidismhy-per-THY-roy-diz-umA condition in which the thyroid gland makes too much thyroid hormone.hyper- above, overthyr/o thyroid gland-ism conditionFull entry , such as Graves disease, and to prepare clients for thyroid surgery or radioactive iodine. It blocks the thyroid from making new hormone, so it takes weeks to bring the level down. Propylthiouracil (PTU) is usually chosen instead in the first trimester of pregnancy.
For the nurse
The most serious side effect is agranulocytosis, a sharp drop in white blood cells. Teach the client to report a sore throat, fever or signs of infection at once. Watch for signs of too little thyroid hormone (tiredness, cold intolerance, weight gain) and for liver problems.
At a glance
| Drug class | antithyroid drug (thioamide) |
|---|---|
| Brand names | Tapazole |
| Also written | Tapazole |
Related terms
hyperthyroidism
A condition in which the thyroid gland makes too much thyroid hormone.
thyr/o
A word part that means the thyroid gland.
potassium iodide
An iodine salt taken by mouth that shuts down the thyroid's hormone release and blocks radioactive iodine.