Variations in the Response of Individuals of Different Ages to an Antithyroid Compound (Methimazole)

Pharmacologic Aspects of Aging: A Survey of the Effect of Increasing Age on Drug Activity in Adults

“…The maximal size and function of the thyroid occurs between the ages of 15 and 20 years. At 60–80 years the size of the gland is reduced, less thyroxine is present and the blood supply is diminished (141). As used in one of the newer tests of thyroid function, the erythrocyte uptake of triiodothyronine increases with age, reaches a plateau in adulthood, and thereafter declines with advancing age (142).…”

“…These authors believed their results were consistent with the clinical observation that elderly hypothyroid patients may require smaller doses of desiccated thyroid than may young hypothyroid patients, to achieve and maintain the euthyroid state. McGavack et al (141) found that the response to an antithyroid compound (methimazole) varied with the age of the patient; with use of this agent, complete recovery was obtained in 77 per cent of the patients between the ages of 15 and 34 years, in 61 per cent of those aged 35 to 54, and in 47 per cent of those aged 55 to 83 years.…”