What should be monitored when a patient is on amiodarone?

Amiodarone is an antiarrhythmic medication that is known to affect thyroid function. This correlation arises because amiodarone contains a high iodine content, which can lead to both hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism in patients. Therefore, it is essential to monitor thyroid hormone levels regularly while a patient is on amiodarone therapy to assess for any thyroid dysfunction that may arise as a side effect of the medication.

Monitoring thyroid function enables healthcare providers to identify changes in thyroid hormone levels early and manage any resulting conditions appropriately, ensuring the patient remains safe and effective use of amiodarone. This monitoring is a critical component of patient care when using this medication.