Amiodarone therapy: don't forget thyroid

Abstract

Amiodarone is an effective anti-arrhythmic agent for control of various life threatening ventricular tachyarrhythmias but may give Various side effects. Clinically relevant thyroid dysfunction is not uncommon during amiodarone therapy and is caused by iodide excess and inhibition of deiodinase activity. Amiodarone induced thyroid dysfunction varies from asymptomatic variation in thyroid function to clinically overt hypothyroidism and thyrotoxicosis. Prolonged elimination and half life and associated complications warrant for rational prescribing and long term follow up.