Can Drugs Affect Thyroid Function? - Frequently Asked Questions

1. Which doctor should I consult for knowing drugs which affect thyroid function?

A General Practitioner (GP) would clinically evaluate the symptoms and recommend the therapy based on symptoms. Based on the severity of symptoms, the GP may then refer to an Endocrinologist who can advise further on the medications to cure the thyroid disorder or control the drugs which have caused the disorder.

2. Can stress cause thyroid problems?

Stress can cause significant damage to human body by affecting the thyroid function. It mainly causes hypothyroidism and in some cases hyperthyroidism.

3. What drug is used to treat hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism?

Hypothyroidism – The standard treatment involves prescribing synthetic thyroid hormone levothyroxine

For hyperthyroidism, anti-thyroid medications like propylthiouracil, and methimazole are prescribed to prevent the thyroid gland from producing excess hormones

4. What foods interfere with thyroid medication absorption?

One must avoid taking iron supplements, calcium supplements, antacids containing aluminium or magnesium, walnuts and soybean flour, as these affect the absorption of thyroid medications.

5. What drugs interact with levothyroxine, a thyroid drug?

Antacids, iron, sucralfate, sevelamer, and orlistat affect the absorption of levothyroxine. Most of these reduce the absorption of levothyroxine.