PTCE Top 200 · #141

Thyroid

Armour Thyroid

Thyroid is the generic name for the brand-name drug Armour Thyroid. It is a thyroid hormone (desiccated thyroid) used to treat hypothyroidism. On the PTCE Top 200 drug list, Thyroid ranks #141 and is one of the most frequently tested endocrine medications — commonly quizzed on its brand–generic pair, drug class, and key side effects.

Generic nameThyroid
Brand name(s)Armour Thyroid
Drug classThyroid hormone (desiccated thyroid)
Class groupEndocrine
Common usehypothyroidism
DEA scheduleUnscheduled
AvailabilityPrescription only (Rx)

What is Thyroid used for?

Treatment of hypothyroidism (thyroid hormone replacement; desiccated thyroid).

What drug class is Thyroid?

Thyroid is a Thyroid hormone (desiccated thyroid) in the Endocrine group. Knowing the class is the fastest way to predict its uses, side effects, and the brand↔generic pairs the PTCE tests.

Common side effects of Thyroid

Major interactions

Is Thyroid a controlled substance?

No. Thyroid is not a federally controlled substance (it is unscheduled by the DEA).

warning Boxed warning

WARNING: NOT FOR TREATMENT OF OBESITY OR FOR WEIGHT LOSS. Thyroid hormones should not be used for weight loss; large doses can cause serious or life‑threatening toxicity.

How to remember Thyroid (PTCE mnemonic)

ARMOUR-thyroid = porcine desiccated (T3+T4) — older alternative to levothyroxine. Empty stomach AM, separate from calcium/iron; overdose = palpitations/tremor/heat; NEVER for weight loss.
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PTCE exam tip

Desiccated thyroid supplies BOTH T4 and T3 — the contrast with synthetic levothyroxine (T4 only) is the exam point, and grain-based dosing invites conversion errors.

Thyroid FAQ

What is the brand name for Thyroid?

The brand name for Thyroid is Armour Thyroid.

What is Thyroid used for?

Thyroid is used to treat hypothyroidism. Treatment of hypothyroidism (thyroid hormone replacement; desiccated thyroid).

What drug class is Thyroid?

Thyroid is a Thyroid hormone (desiccated thyroid) (Endocrine group).

Is Thyroid a controlled substance?

No. Thyroid is not a federally controlled substance (it is unscheduled by the DEA).

Related drugs in the Endocrine group

Drill Thyroid the way the PTCE asks it

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Last reviewed June 25, 2026. Educational use only — not medical advice. Verify clinical specifics with your pharmacist or a current label source such as DailyMed. RxReflex is not affiliated with or endorsed by the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB).