Uses
Methimazole is used to treat hyperthyroidism, a condition that occurs when the thyroid gland produces too much thyroid hormone. It is also taken before thyroid surgery or radioactive iodine therapy.
This medication is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.
Side Effects Of Methimazole
Methimazole may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:
- skin rash
- itching
- abnormal hair loss
- upset stomach
- vomiting
- loss of taste
- abnormal sensations (tingling, prickling, burning, tightness, and pulling)
- swelling
- joint and muscle pain
- drowsiness
- dizziness
- decreased white blood cells
- decreased platelets
If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately:
- sore throat
- fever
- headache
- chills
- unusual bleeding or bruising
- right-sided abdominal pain with decreased appetite
- yellowing of the skin or eyes
- skin eruptions
Warnings & Precautions
Before taking methimazole:
- tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to methimazol, lactose, or any other drugs.
- tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription 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 or have ever had any blood disease, such as decreased white blood cells (leukopenia), decreased platelets (thrombocytopenia), or aplastic anemia, or liver disease (hepatitis, jaundice).
- tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. Methimazole should not be used during pregnancy or breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking methimazole, call your doctor immediately. Methimazole may harm the fetus.
- if you are having surgery, including dental surgery, tell the doctor or dentist that you are taking methimazole.
Dosage Of Methimazole
Methimazole comes as a tablet and usually is taken three times a day, approximately every 8 hours, with food. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand.
Other
Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory.
Do not let anyone else take your medication. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription.
It is important for you to keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription (over-the-counter) medicines you are taking, as well as any products such as vitamins, minerals, or other dietary supplements. You should bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to a hospital. It is also important information to carry with you in case of emergencies.
Source
All information has been provided courtesy of MedLinePlus from the National Library of Medicine and from the FDA.
