Description
Amiodarone is an effective and widely-used drug for the treatment of cardiac dysrhthmias. Its high iodine content and long half-life commonly leads to disordered thyroid function and the treatment of the resulting clinical syndromes of hypothyroidism or thyrotoxicosis may be complex and challenging. Hypothyroidism is commonest in environmentally iodine-rich areas such as the UK. It usually resolves spontaneously on stopping amiodarone but if the drug cannot be safely stopped thyroxine may be given. Thyrotoxicosis is less common in the UK and its management more complex. It may involve both medical and surgical treatment and specialist overview is recommended.
