[Amiodarone and thyroid]

Ther Umsch. 2011 Jun;68(6):309-13. doi: 10.1024/0040-5930/a000170.
[Article in German]

Abstract

Amiodarone is a widely used antiarrythmic drug and can lead either to hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism due to its molecular structure which is similar to levothyroxin. Amiodarone induced hypothyroidism can be treated easely with hormonal subsitution. Hyperthyroidism is more challenging. There exist two forms of amiodarone-induced Hyperthyroidism (AIT): AIT type 1 is directly related to the iodine compound of amiodarone and responds to thyreostatic therapy. Type 2 is a consequence of the direct toxicity of amiodarone to the thyroid gland and is treated primarily with glucocorticoids. However, this differentiation often is impossible in clinical settings and a pragmatic approach is needed.

Publication types

  • English Abstract
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Amiodarone / adverse effects*
  • Anti-Arrhythmia Agents / adverse effects
  • Hormone Replacement Therapy / methods*
  • Humans
  • Hyperthyroidism / chemically induced*
  • Hyperthyroidism / drug therapy
  • Hyperthyroidism / prevention & control*
  • Hypothyroidism / chemically induced*
  • Hypothyroidism / drug therapy
  • Hypothyroidism / prevention & control*
  • Thyroid Hormones / therapeutic use*
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Anti-Arrhythmia Agents
  • Thyroid Hormones
  • Amiodarone