| Drug and Dosage | Use | Action | Assessment: Side Effects |
|---|
| Propylthiouracil—PO 300–400 mg/day, divided initial dose; 100–150 mg/day maintenance dose; methimazole (Tapazole) 15–60 mg/day initial dose; 5–15 mg/day maintenance dose | Hyperthyroidism; return client to euthyroid state; also used preoperatively | Inhibits functional thyroid hormone synthesis by blocking reactions; responsible for iodide conversion to iodine; inhibition of thyroxine (T4) conversion to triiodothyronine (T3) | Blood dyscrasias, hepatotoxicity, hypothyroidism |
 NURSING IMPLICATIONS: Teach importance of compliance with medication protocol; avoid iodine-rich foods (seafood, iodized salt); caution when using other drugs |
| Saturated potassium iodide (SSKI)—PO 300 mg 3 or 4 times daily | To reduce size, vascularity of thyroid before thyroid surgery; emergency treatment of thyroid storm; or control of hyperthyroid symptoms after radioiodine (131I) therapy | Inhibits thyroid hormone secretion, synthesis | GI distress; stained teeth; increased respiratory secretions; rashes; acne |
| NURSING IMPLICATIONS: Dilute in juice, give through straw; bloody diarrhea/vomiting indicates acute poisoning |