Paper II — 2021 February (Supplementary) (2010 Scheme) — Q2

Paper II

2021 February (Supplementary) (2010 Scheme)

Question

Classify antithyroid drugs. Write the advantages and disadvantages of using radioactive Iodine. (2+2+2)

Q26 marksEssays★✓

Answer

Classification of antithyroid drugs

• Thioamides: Carbimazole, Methimazole, Propylthiouracil
• Iodine and iodine-containing compounds: Lugol’s iodine
• Radioactive iodine: I-131
• Anion inhibitors: Potassium perchlorate (rarely used)
• Beta-blockers (adjunctive symptomatic control): Propranolol

Advantages of radioactive iodine (I-131)

• Highly effective, often curative in a single dose
• Non-invasive (avoids surgery and its risks)
• Convenient — oral administration, outpatient treatment
• Lower cost compared to surgery in the long run

Disadvantages of radioactive iodine

• Delayed onset of action (weeks to months for full effect)
• High incidence of resultant hypothyroidism, often requiring lifelong thyroxine replacement
• Contraindicated in pregnancy and breastfeeding (crosses placenta/is secreted in milk, risk to fetal/infant thyroid)
• Requires radiation precautions for a period after administration
• Not suitable for very large goitres (compressive symptoms) or suspected malignancy

Related Concepts

1. 1Thyroid Hormones and Antithyroid Drugs

Other Years Asked

1. 1T4 and very low TSH levels. A diagnosis of hyperthyroidism was made. (2022 July (Supplementary) (2019 Scheme)Essay · 10 marks
2. 2Compare Radioactive Iodine and Carbimazole.2024 March (Supplementary) (2019 Scheme)Short Essay · 8 marks
3. 3Classify Thyroid inhibitor drugs. Describe the mechanism of action, and adverse effects of carbimazole. Explain the role of iodides in hyperthyroidism. (2+2+2)2022 May (Supplementary) (2010 Scheme)Essay · 6 marks
4. 4(2023 July (Supplementary) (2019 Scheme)Essay · 6 marks
5. 5A 32years old woman, presented with complaints of weight loss, palpitations, sweating, irregular menses and occasional tremors of hands since 2-3 months. Clinical examination revealed a diffusely enlarged thyroid gland and blood tests showed decreased TSH. She was started on medication for Grave’s disease.2025 March (Supplementary) (2010 Scheme)Essay · 6 marks
6. 6A 35 years old woman came with complaints of heat intolerance, retraction of upper eyelid and menstrual irregularities. Her T3 , T4 , FT4 & FT3 are elevated while TSH is suppressed. Answer the following:2015 February (2010 Scheme)Essay · 6 marks
7. 7Treatment of thyrotoxic crisis.2023 January (Supplementary) (2019 Scheme)Short Answer · 4 marks
8. 8Pharmacotherapy of Thyrotoxic crisis (thyroid storm)2024 June (Supplementary) (2019 Scheme)Short Answer · 4 marks
9. 9Mechanism of action, uses and adverse effects of Radio active iodine.2025 March (Supplementary (SAY)) (2019 Scheme)Short Answer · 4 marks
10. 10Carbimazole2022 October (Supplementary) (2010 Scheme)Short Note · 3 marks
11. 11Radioactive Iodine2024 March (Supplementary) (2010 Scheme)Short Note · 3 marks
12. 12Anti thyroid drugs2014 September (Supplementary) (2010 Scheme)Short Note · 3 marks
13. 13Radioactive Iodine2021 May (Supplementary) (2010 Scheme)Short Note · 3 marks
14. 14Lugol’s Iodine is given for 10 days prior to thyroidectomy surgery for Grave’s disease.2023 July (Supplementary) (2010 Scheme)Short Answer · 1 mark
15. 15Anti-thyroid drugs2018 July (Supplementary) (2010 Scheme)Short Answer · 1 mark
16. 16Explain the use of propranolol in thyrotoxicosis.2018 February (2010 Scheme)Short Answer · 1 mark
17. 17Methimazole acts by:2024 December (Supplementary) (2019 Scheme)MCQ · 1 mark
18. 18Antithyroid drugs2013 April (2010 Scheme)Short Answer · 1 mark
19. 19Drug used in thyrotoxic crisis2014 March (2010 Scheme)Short Answer · 1 mark
20. 20Propylthiouracil2025 August (Supplementary) (2010 Scheme)Short Answer · 1 mark
21. 21Anti- thyroid drugs safe during pregnancy2017 August (Supplementary) (2010 Scheme)Short Answer · 1 mark
22. 22Thyrotoxic crisis.2015 September (Supplementary) (2010 Scheme)Short Answer · 1 mark
23. 23Anti thyroid drugs2016 October (Supplementary) (2010 Scheme)Short Answer · 1 mark
24. 24Radioactive iodine2020 February (Supplementary) (2010 Scheme)Short Answer · 1 mark
25. 25Use of Propranolol in Thyrotoxic crisis.2024 March (Supplementary) (2010 Scheme)Short Answer · 1 mark
26. 26The preferred drug for her is:2024 December (Supplementary) (2019 Scheme)MCQ · 1 mark
27. 27 Carbimazole for treatment of Thyroid storm2024 August (Supplementary) (2010 Scheme)Short Answer · 0.3 marks
28. 28Antithyroid drugs2019 February (2010 Scheme)Short Answer · 0.3 marks