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Drugs and thyroid function

Article Abstract:

Various drugs have different effects on thyroid gland function and the production and blood levels of the two thyroid hormones thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3). Drugs that cause hypothyroidism, the decrease in thyroid secretion, include methimazole, propylthiouracil, lithium, amiodarone, and drugs that contain iodide. Drugs that inhibit absorption of T4 in the intestine, such as colestipol and cholestyramine, can cause hypothyroidism in people who take T4 orally. Estrogen, tamoxifen, heroin, and methadone indirectly increase T4 production, while androgens and anabolic steroids indirectly decrease T4 production. These effects are due to effects on proteins that bind T4 in the blood. Phenobarbital, rifampin, phenytoin, and carbamazepine increase T3 and T4 metabolism, causing varied effects on thyroid function. Propanolol and glucocorticoids decrease T3 levels in the blood. Cytokines alter thyroid function and may cause hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, or both.

Thyroid hormones, Thyroid gland

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Antiviral drugs

Article Abstract:

The Food and Drug Administration has approved 11 drugs to treat viral conditions other than HIV infection. Acyclovir, valacyclovir, penciclovir, and famciclovir are used to treat herpes simplex, cytomegalovirus and chickenpox. Ganciclovir and foscarnet are used to treat or prevent cytomegalovirus. Amantadine and rimantadine are used to treat influenza A. Ribavirin is used to treat hantavirus, hepatitis C, and Lassa fever. Lamivudine is used to treat hepatitis B, and interferon alpha is effective against both hepatitis B and hepatitis C.

Analysis, Antiviral agents

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