Can you take amiodarone with hypothyroidism?
Amiodarone can lead to both hypothyroidism and less commonly hyperthyroidism. Dronedarone is a relatively new anti-arrhythmic drug which was designed to replicate the potency of amiodarone without its associated deleterious side effects.
How does amiodarone affect thyroid function?
Amiodarone induces alterations in thyroid hormone levels by actions on thyroidal secretion, on the peripheral tissues, and probably also on the pituitary gland. These actions result in elevations in serum T4 and rT3 concentrations, transient increases in TSH concentrations, and decreases in T3 concentrations.
Why amiodarone causes hyperthyroidism?
However, amiodarone is associated with a number of side effects, including thyroid dysfunction (both hypo- and hyperthyroidism), which is due to amiodarone’s high iodine content and its direct toxic effect on the thyroid.
Is amiodarone contraindicated in hyperthyroidism?
Amiodarone inhibits entry of T4 and T3 into the peripheral tissue. Serum T4 levels increase by an average of 40% above pretreatment levels after 1-4 months of treatment with amiodarone. This, in itself, does not constitute evidence of hyperthyroidism (thyrotoxicosis).
Is amiodarone safe for elderly patients?
Older people taking amiodarone are at greater risk of developing either an over-active or an under-active thyroid. Amiodarone is also toxic to the skin and lungs. Pulmonary toxicity is more common in older people, and it increases threefold every 10 years of age in patients over 60.
What should be avoided when taking amiodarone?
amiodarone food You should avoid consuming grapefruits and grapefruit juice while taking amiodarone. Do not increase or decrease the amount of grapefruit products in your diet without first talking to your doctor. Grapefruit can raise the levels of amiodarone in your body and lead to dangerous side effects.
What is the best time to take amiodarone?
You can take amiodarone either before or after meals. If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember (unless it is nearly time for your next dose, in which case leave out the missed dose).