15.02 Drugs used to treat disorders of the thyroid

The thyroid gland is a butterfly-shaped gland located in the neck. It releases the hormone thyroxine (T₄). There is a large circulating pool of thyroxine, which is metabolised to tri-iodothyronine (T₃) at the site of action. Normal thyroid function requires iodine (1-2 mg/kg/day). Thyroid disorders are relatively common and include hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism.