ADDITIVE EFFECTS OF IODINE AND THIOUREA IN THE TREATMENT OF HYPERTHYROIDISM 1

Abstract

Thiourea and I medication supplement rather than interfere with one another in the treatment of hyperthyroidism. This is established (a) by the more marked remission during the first 3 or 4 mos. produced by the 2 substances in combination than that produced by thiourea alone; and (b) by the recurrence of hyperthyroidism in some patients maintained in remission by both substances when I alone is discontinued. Preliminary I medication does not delay the action of thiourea, provided iodine therapy is not discontinued. Thyroid activity tends to decline slowly and progressively over many months during the course of prolonged medication with thiourea. If hypothyroidism is to be avoided, this necessitates reduction of dosage of thiourea to 1/4 oreven 1/8 of the amt. given initially. Hypothyroidism may also be corrected by oral admn. of dried thyroid. The necessary dosage varies considerably from subject to subject, and lies between 0.03 and more than 0.06 g. daily. Preoperative or prolonged medical therapy with thiourea and kindred drugs should be supplemented at all times with I.