Final answer:
Methimazole is more commonly used for the treatment of hyperthyroidism because it is generally safer and requires once-daily dosing. PTU is preferred during early pregnancy or when adverse reactions to Methimazole occur. Radioisotope therapy with I-131 is also an option for treating hyperthyroidism.
Step-by-step explanation:
Treatment for Hyperthyroidism
When treating hyperthyroidism, both Propythiouracil (PTU) and Methimazole (Tapazole) are used to control the overactive thyroid gland. Methimazole is typically the first-line treatment due to its longer half-life, which allows for once-daily dosing, and it has fewer side effects than PTU. However, PTU is preferred during the first trimester of pregnancy and in patients who have adverse reactions to Methimazole. It's important to have proper medical supervision when using these medications due to potential side effects.
Hypothyroidism, on the other hand, is treated with thyroid hormone supplements since the thyroid gland produces less thyroxine than normal, leading to symptoms such as weight gain and fatigue.
Radioisotopes such as I-131 are also used in the diagnosis and treatment of thyroid conditions. In hyperthyroidism, I-131 therapy is another option, capitalizing on the thyroid gland's natural ability to uptake iodine to deliver targeted radiation, ultimately reducing thyroid hormone production.