The effects of drugs on tests of thyroid function

Many drugs affect tests of thyroid function through alterations in the synthesis, transport and metabolism of thyroid hormones, as well as via influences on thyrotrophin (TSH) synthesis and secretion. Despite effects on circulating thyroid hormone and TSH levels, few drugs result in important changes in clinical thyroid state, but difficulty in interpretation of thyroid function tests often results. Commonly prescribed drugs including anti-convulsants, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, beta-adrenoceptor antagonists, steroid hormones and heparin may result in abnormal thyroid function tests in the absence of clinical features of thyroid dysfunction. In contrast, lithium and iodine containing drugs, including radiographic contrast agents and amiodarone, may result rarely in overt thyroid disease.