Medications and Drugs
GENERIC NAME: METHIMAZOLE - ORAL (meh-THIM-uh-zole)
BRAND NAME(S): Tapazole
Medication Uses | How To Use | Side Effects | Precautions | Drug Interactions | Overdose | Notes | Missed Dose | Storage
USES: This medication prevents the thyroid gland from producing thyroid hormone. It is used to treat hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid gland) and to prepare the thyroid for surgery.
HOW TO USE: Take this medication at regular intervals around the clock, usually 3 times daily, every eight hours. Or take as directed by your doctor.
SIDE EFFECTS: This medication may cause stomach upset, nausea, loss of taste sensation, headache, drowsiness or dizziness. If any of these effects persist or become bothersome, inform your doctor. Notify your doctor if you experience any of the following: fever, sore throat, easy or unusual bleeding or bruising, skin rash, yellowing of the eyes or skin, vomiting, general weakness. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
PRECAUTIONS: Tell your doctor your medical history, especially of: liver disease, blood disorders, any allergies you may have. Before you have surgery, including dental surgery, tell the doctor that you take this medication. Methimazole is not recommended for use during pregnancy. Consult your doctor before taking this medication. This drug is excreted into breast milk and may have undesirable effects on a nursing infant. Do not breast-feed while using this drug. Consult your doctor.
DRUG INTERACTIONS: Tell your doctor of all prescription and nonprescription drugs you may use, especially of: warfarin, digoxin, beta-blockers (e.g., metoprolol, propranolol). Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.
Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
- Drug Interactions - Learn about potential drug interactions you may be exposed to. Drug interactions can occur with prescription drugs, OTC medication, vitamins, herbs, and supplements.
- Thyroid Blood Tests - Read about thyroid blood tests, which are used to diagnose disease of the thyroid such as hyperthyroidism and hyperthyroidism, as well as point to other diseases of the thyroid gland.
- Hyperthyroidism - Learn about hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid gland) symptoms such as irritability, tachycardia, heat intolerance, increased sweating, weight gain, and more, as well as the causes, diagnosis, and treatment of hyperthyroidism.
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