ABSTRACT
To evaluate the effect of diltiazem on the adrenergic manifestations of hyperthyroidism and thyroid function tests. This prospective, interventional study included 19 newly diagnosed patients [16 females, 3 males with mean age of 35.31 + 10.36 years] of hyperthyroidism attending the out patient department of Institute of Radiotherapy and Nuclear Medicine, Peshawar. All patients took diltiazem 30 mg three times a day for 6 weeks. Clinical assessment was done before starting therapy and then serially after 1, 2, 4 and 6 weeks [+3 days] using standardized and modified hyperthyroid symptom score. Serum free T4 measurements were done before starting diltiazem and then serially after 2, 4 and 6 weeks [+3 days] of therapy. Following therapy with diltiazem the hyperthyroid system score decreased significantly at 1, 2, 4 and 6 weeks of therapy. With individual values dropping from 14.42 to 12.89 pmol/L after 1week [P < 0.05], to 11.21, 10.78 and 10.26 pmol/L after 2, 4 and 6 weeks, respectively [P < 0.001]. Serum free T4 decreased from 33.29 pmol/L to 32.77, 31.86 and 31.50 pmol/L after 2, 4 and 6 weeks [P > 0.05]. Diltiazem effectively controls the clinical manifestations of hyperthyroidism. It also causes some decline in free thyroxine levels