Final answer:
Graves' disease treatment primarily involves antithyroid drugs that inhibit thyroid hormone synthesis or radioactive iodine therapy, which destroys overactive thyroid tissue. Adverse effects can emerge from these treatments, necessitating careful monitoring.
Step-by-step explanation:
Graves' Disease Treatment
Graves' disease is characterized by the overproduction of thyroid hormones, a condition known as hyperthyroidism. Treatments include antithyroid drugs such as Methimazole and Propylthiouracil. These medications work by inhibiting thyroid hormone synthesis through mechanisms such as blocking the uptake of iodine by the thyroid gland (via agents like Thiocyanate and perchlorate) or inhibiting thyroperoxidase (via Thiourea and thiouracil).
Radioactive Iodine Ablation
The use of radioiodine (I-131) therapy is another treatment option for Graves' disease. It involves the administration of radioactive iodine to selectively destroy overactive thyroid tissue. I-131 is concentrated in the thyroid gland, providing targeted therapy with minimal effects on other tissues. This method is not only used to treat hyperthyroidism but also to diagnose and treat thyroid cancer.
Adverse Effects
While effective, these treatments can have adverse effects (AE). Antithyroid drugs can cause side effects such as rash or hepatotoxicity. Radioiodine therapy may lead to hypothyroidism, requiring lifelong thyroid hormone replacement. Careful monitoring by healthcare professionals is necessary to manage these potential adverse effects.