title: Amiodarone-induced hypothyroidism and other adverse effects.
abstract: Amiodarone is a class III antiarrhythmic agent that is frequently prescribed today for the treatment of ventricular and atrial arrhythmias. Amiodarone has many adverse effects, and one of them is thyroid dysfunction. Advanced practice and staff nurses need to be vigilant, recognizing early signs and symptoms of thyroid dysfunction to prevent adverse drug reactions. Often, the signs and symptoms of amiodarone-induced hypothyroidism are overlooked because of the complexity of the patient's condition. The purpose of this article was to review a case study, present differential diagnoses and testing, discuss risk factors associated with amiodarone-induced hypothyroidism, discuss its pathogenesis, and review clinical management.
authors.affiliation: Southwest General Health Center in Middleburg Heights, Ohio, USA. MaryMosherRN@sbcglobal.net
authors.forename: Mary C
authors.initials: MC
authors.lastname: Mosher
mesh_terms: D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000638:Amiodarone / Q000009:adverse effects*; D000889:Anti-Arrhythmia Agents / Q000009:adverse effects*; D001281:Atrial Fibrillation / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000601:surgery; D001026:Coronary Artery Bypass; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D006801:Humans; D007037:Hypothyroidism / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000188:drug therapy; D008297:Male; D012307:Risk Factors; D017180:Tachycardia, Ventricular / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000601:surgery; D013974:Thyroxine / Q000627:therapeutic use
chemical_list: D000889:Anti-Arrhythmia Agents; D000638:Amiodarone; D013974:Thyroxine