Effect of calcium channel blockers on the metabolic changes of hyperthyroidism

ABSTRACT

To study the effect of calcium channel blocking agents on hyperthyroidism, 14 patients were studied; Wayne's Clinical Diagnostic Index was used for diagnosis and confirmed by estimation of T3 and T4 serum levels. The patients were classified into two groups; group I [seven patients received verapamil alone for one month] and group II [seven patients received a combination of verapamil and carimazole for one month]. After one month's therapy, Wayne's Clinical Diagnostic Index decreased significantly from 35.4 +/- 4.2 [thyrotoxic value] to 10.7 [normal value up to 10] in group I and from 36.4 4 +/- 2.5 [thyrotoxic value] to euthyroid state [2.29 +/- . 2.20] in group II. The body weight increased in both groups but it was only significant in group II. Also serum T[3] and T[4] levels decreased significantly in both groups. It is concluded that verapamil by itself does not only improve the clinical course of thyrotoxicosis but also decreases the thyroid hormones level centrally and blunts their action peripherally. The combination therapy of verapamil and carbimazole in a smaller dose than used was found to be an efficient and dependable therapeutic line in the medical management of hyperthyroidism. The reduced carbimazole dose which was used successfully in combination with verapamil could be considered as an advantage to avoid the side effects of thiourea drugs