Methimazole Uses, Side Effects & Warnings

Table of Contents

What is methimazole tablet?

Methimazole is a drug that is used in the treatment of some disorders in the thyroid, especially the treatment of hyperthyroidism or hyperthyroidism, which is usually caused by thyroid goiter or Hashimoto’s disease. This drug helps the thyroid gland by reducing the production of thyroid hormones. It is also used before thyroid surgery or radioactive iodine treatment. The use of this drug should be done under the supervision of a doctor and carefully, because it has side effects and drug interactions that require a doctor’s supervision. This drug is sometimes prescribed for other uses, so ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

What is the use of methimazole tablets?

Methimazole tablets belong to the group of anti-thyroid drugs that are used to treat conditions in which the body produces too much thyroid hormone. These conditions include hyperthyroidism, in which the thyroid gland produces too much thyroid hormone. Methimazole helps regulate the level of thyroid hormones in the body by inhibiting the activity of the thyroid gland and reducing the production of thyroid hormones. This medication is usually used to control symptoms of hyperthyroidism, such as tachycardia, weight gain, shortness of breath, excessive sweating, and tremors.

How to use methimazole tablets?

How to use methimazole tablets should be based on your doctor’s instructions. But in general, usually this drug should be taken orally. Exact instructions for use, amount of use and frequency of use may vary based on the severity of the disease, age, and health status of the person.

Generally, methimazole should be taken with or after food. You should also follow your doctor’s instructions regarding the use of other medications that you may take during treatment with methimazole. Your doctor may recommend that you have regular blood tests to monitor your thyroid hormone levels.

Also, you should pay attention to any unpleasant symptoms or side effects that may arise from taking methimazole and inform your doctor immediately.

What points should be taken into account for taking methimazole thyroid medication?

How to use: Take methimazole orally, as directed by your doctor, usually three times a day and every eight hours, with or without food. The dosage depends on your age, the condition of the disease and the response of your body to the treatment.

Side effects: Methimazole may cause stomach upset, nausea, vomiting, rash and mild itching. If any of these symptoms persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist.

Methimazole may cause stomach upset. Take methimazole with food or milk.

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule at evenly spaced 8-hour intervals. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.

Remember to always take medications as directed by your doctor and avoid changing the dosage arbitrarily. If your symptoms do not improve or your condition worsens, inform the endocrinologist

What special precautions should we take with methimazole tablets?

Before taking methimazole, tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to methimazole, lactose, or any other medications.

Tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and over-the-counter medications you are taking, especially anticoagulants (blood thinners) such as warfarin (Coumadin), beta-blockers such as propranolol (Inderal), diabetes medications, digoxin (Lanoxin), theophylline (Theobid, Theo-Dur) and vitamins.

Tell your doctor if you have had a blood disorder such as low white blood cells (leukopenia), low platelets (thrombocytopenia), or aplastic anemia, or liver disease (hepatitis, jaundice).

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding. Methimazole should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding. If you become pregnant while taking methimazole, call your doctor right away. Methimazole may harm an unborn baby.

If you are having surgery, including dental surgery, tell your doctor or dentist that you are taking methimazole.

What are the side effects of methimazole?

In addition to stomach upset, nausea, vomiting, rash and mild itching mentioned earlier, methimazole may have other side effects. These side effects may occur in some people and you should consult your doctor. Some common side effects of methimazole include:

Damage to the liver: In some cases, taking methimazole can damage the liver. Tell your doctor if you have symptoms such as yellowing of the skin, dark urine, severe fatigue, or abdominal pain.
Damage to the blood: Methimazole may have an effect on blood cells and cause a decrease in the number of blood cells such as leukocytes (white blood cells) and thrombocytes (platelet cells). Tell your doctor if you have symptoms such as unusual bleeding, severe headache, or general weakness.
Damage to other glands: taking methimazole may have an effect on other glands in the body. For example, it may affect the parathyroid glands (which control blood calcium). Tell your doctor if you have symptoms such as changes in blood calcium levels.

Methimazole may also cause the following side effects, which should be reported to your doctor if any occur:

Skin rash
Itching
Abnormal hair loss
stomach discomfort
Vomit
Loss of taste
Abnormal sensations (pins and needles, burning, tightness and pulling)
Swelling
Joint and muscle pain
Drowsiness
Dizziness
Reduction of white blood cells
Reduction of platelets

Call your doctor right away if you experience any of the following symptoms:

Sore throat
Fever
Headache
Chills
Unusual bleeding or bruising
Right abdominal pain with loss of appetite
Yellowing of the skin or eyes

Skin eruption (hives or skin rash)

Remember that each person may respond differently to medications and their side effects. If you experience any unusual symptoms, see your doctor for evaluation.