Methimazole Thyroid Medication: Benefits and Side Effects You Need to Know

While not without its side effects, methimazole thyroid medication may help benefit those with hyperthyroidism.

Methimazole, also known as Tapazole, works to stop the thyroid gland from producing too many thyroid hormones, which causes hyperthyroidism, according to MedicineNet.com.

By preventing the thyroid from releasing too may hormones, methimazole can help treat the symptoms of hyperthyroidism. This includes helping to stop hand tremors, irregular or rapid heartbeat, and other indicators of hyperthyroidism. Those with a goiter or Graves’ disease may also benefit from Tapazole, Endocrine Web reported.

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One benefit of methimazole over other medications is that patients can take the drug one to three times a day depending on their dosage, according to Endocrine Web.

Stomach upset, nausea, vomiting, and developing a rash are the most common side effects of methimazole, MedcineNet.com reported. More rare health changes include yellowing of the eyes or skin, dark urine, or severe pain. Infrequently, methimazole may lead to serious blood disorders by reducing the number of red and white cells.

Serious allergic reactions to Tapazole are rare, MedcineNet.com noted. Such reactions can include swelling, difficulty breathing, and dizziness. Patients who experience such effects should contact medical help immediately.

Patients should take note of signs of infection, easily forming bruises, and tiredness, MedicienNet.com said. If these side effects occur, they should seek professional medical assistance right away.

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Patients who take methimazole are less likely to develop agranulocytosis, than those who use propylthiouracil, another thyroid medication, Endocrine Web reported. With agranulocytosis, the body’s granulocytes, immune cells, are attacked, leaving the body more susceptible to infection.

For this reason, those taking Tapazole should avoid receiving live vaccinations as they could be put at risk of getting the disease, Drugs.com reported.

Pregnant women should not take Tapazole during the first three months of the child’s development, Rx List reported. According to Drugs.com, the baby could be harmed by taking methimazole too early in its development. Mother who are breastfeeding should consult with a doctor before taking methimazole as it can get into the breastmilk.

Some drugs interact with Tapazole. Those taking blood thinners, digoxin, and theophylline should consult with a doctor prior to starting treatment of methimazole, according to Rx List.
All patients should speak with their physician prior to beginning to use methimazole.

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