Which drug should NOT be used in treating subacute thyroiditis?

• A. Beta-blockers
• B. NSAIDs
• C. Methimazole
• D. Prednisone

Answer: (C)

Subacute thyroiditis presents with a painful, tender thyroid after a viral illness and causes a thyrotoxic phase because the inflamed thyroid releases stored hormone, not because it is overproducing it. The goal of treatment is to reduce inflammation and relieve symptoms, not to suppress hormone synthesis. NSAIDs are used to treat the inflammatory pain, and prednisone is added if the inflammation is more severe. Beta-blockers help control rapid heart rate, tremor, and anxiety during the thyrotoxic phase. In contrast, a drug that blocks thyroid hormone synthesis would not address the underlying release of preformed hormone and is not indicated in this setting; it won’t hasten recovery and can complicate the course. So this condition is managed with anti-inflammatories and symptomatic support rather than antithyroid drugs.