Medications interference in the evaluation of thyroid function: a literature review
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.11606/issn.1679-9836.v105i2e-200729Keywords:
Drug-related side effects and adverse reactions, Hyperthyroidism, Hypothyroidism, Thyroid function testsAbstract
The dosages of free and total thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3) levels, as well as those of thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) are used for the diagnosis and monitoring of thyroid function. However, some drugs may cause increased or decreased levels of these hormones by in vivo or in vitro interference. The objective of this study was to describe the main drugs that may interfere in thyroid function evaluation tests and to present the in vivo or in vitro mechanisms responsible for these interferences. Some drugs may cause the development of hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism as an adverse reaction, and it is important to monitor the thyroid function of patients using these drugs. Other drugs can alter thyroid hormone levels without causing changes in thyroid function in the euthyroid individual. However, in patients with hypothyroidism it may be necessary to adjust the dose of levothyroxine. The use of high doses of biotin may interfere in the laboratory dosage (in vitro) of T4, T3 and TSH. Therefore, it is important that health professionals have knowledge about these possible drug interferences for the proper diagnosis and monitoring of thyroid diseases.
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