AANP Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practiotioner Practice

Methimazole is an antithyroid medication commonly used in the treatment of hyperthyroidism, particularly in conditions such as Graves' disease. One of the more serious side effects associated with this medication is granulocytopenia, which refers to a decrease in the number of granulocytes, a type of white blood cell essential for fighting infections. This reduction can lead to an increased risk of infections due to the compromised immune response.

Granulocytopenia occurs because methimazole can negatively affect the bone marrow's ability to produce healthy white blood cells. It is critical for healthcare providers to monitor complete blood counts regularly in patients receiving methimazole to detect any potential hematological complications early.

In contrast, the other options such as hypertension, weight gain, and hypoglycemia are not commonly associated with methimazole treatment. Hypertension may arise from other factors unrelated to this medication, while weight gain can be linked to a variety of metabolic changes, notably when hyperthyroidism is treated and the metabolism slows down. Hypoglycemia is more relevant to medications that increase insulin release or affect glucose metabolism directly, which is not the primary action of methimazole. Therefore, granulocytopenia stands out as the significant and well-documented side effect related