Question
Explain the use of propranolol in thyrotoxicosis.
Q10 1 marks Short Answers ★ ✓
Answer
Propranolol is used in thyrotoxicosis for rapid symptomatic control of the sympathetic overactivity features (tachycardia, tremor, anxiety, sweating) that occur due to increased sensitivity to catecholamines in the hyperthyroid state. As a non-selective beta-blocker, it blocks β1-mediated cardiac effects and also mildly inhibits peripheral conversion of T4 to the more active T3, providing additional benefit. It does not affect thyroid hormone synthesis and is used as an adjunct alongside antithyroid drugs, particularly useful in thyroid storm for rapid symptom control while definitive therapy takes effect.
1 Thyroid Hormones and Antithyroid Drugs
Other Years Asked
1 T4 and very low TSH
levels. A diagnosis of hyperthyroidism was made.
( 2022 July (Supplementary) (2019 Scheme) Essay · 10 marks 2 Compare Radioactive Iodine and Carbimazole. 2024 March (Supplementary) (2019 Scheme) Short Essay · 8 marks 3 Classify Thyroid inhibitor drugs. Describe the mechanism of action, and adverse
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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 Classify antithyroid drugs. Write the advantages and disadvantages of using
radioactive Iodine. (2+2+2) 2021 February (Supplementary) (2010 Scheme) Essay · 6 marks 7 A 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.
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disease. 2023 July (Supplementary) (2010 Scheme) Short Answer · 1 mark 16 Anti-thyroid drugs 2018 July (Supplementary) (2010 Scheme) Short Answer · 1 mark 17 Methimazole acts by: 2024 December (Supplementary) (2019 Scheme) MCQ · 1 mark 18 Antithyroid drugs 2013 April (2010 Scheme) Short Answer · 1 mark 19 Drug used in thyrotoxic crisis 2014 March (2010 Scheme) Short Answer · 1 mark 20 Propylthiouracil 2025 August (Supplementary) (2010 Scheme) Short Answer · 1 mark 21 Anti- thyroid drugs safe during pregnancy 2017 August (Supplementary) (2010 Scheme) Short Answer · 1 mark 22 Thyrotoxic crisis. 2015 September (Supplementary) (2010 Scheme) Short Answer · 1 mark 23 Anti thyroid drugs 2016 October (Supplementary) (2010 Scheme) Short Answer · 1 mark 24 Radioactive iodine 2020 February (Supplementary) (2010 Scheme) Short Answer · 1 mark 25 Use of Propranolol in Thyrotoxic crisis. 2024 March (Supplementary) (2010 Scheme) Short Answer · 1 mark 26 The preferred drug for her is: 2024 December (Supplementary) (2019 Scheme) MCQ · 1 mark 27 Carbimazole for treatment of Thyroid storm 2024 August (Supplementary) (2010 Scheme) Short Answer · 0.3 marks 28 Antithyroid drugs 2019 February (2010 Scheme) Short Answer · 0.3 marks 
