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What Medication Can Impair Thyroid Function?

Some medications completely unrelated to thyroid treatment may exacerbate or even initiate disorders of this important gland. Other medication is deliberately used to impair thyroid function.

  1. Hypothyroidism

    • Dr. Daniel Drucker of the University of Toronto reports that the following medications may contribute to hypothyroidism: lithium, Amiodarone, sulfonamides, Bexarotene, ethionamide, anticonvulsants, Interferon, steroids, Sunitinib, and an agent used to visualize the gall bladder, oral cholecystographic.

    Thyroid Disease

    • Medications used to treat seizure disorders may also affect thyroid function. Dilantin may displace thyroid hormone binding and produce abnormal thyroid blood tests. Children taking medications for seizure control, such as valproic acid or carbamazepine, may also be at increased risk for hypothyroidism.

    PTU and Tapezole

    • The National Institutes of Health report that propylthioracil (PTU) and methimazole (Tapezole) are medications that impair thyroid function by treating an over-active thyroid (hyperthyroidism).

    Radioactive Iodine

    • Taken orally, radioactive iodine is used to permanently cease thyroid production of hormones, resulting in hypothyroidism. The thyroid will not be able to produce sufficient hormone levels so it will be necessary to take medication for that condition, likely for life.

    Birth Control Pills

    • Oral contraceptives may contribute to Hashimoto's disease, an autoimmune disorder that attacks the thyroid gland, causing the growth of thyroid nodules, lumps of cells that may or may not become cancerous.

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