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Methimazole

(other types of Methimazole)
brand name(s): Tapazole (learn more about brand vs. generic drugs)

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Information on Methimazole

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Learn more about usage, cautions, and possible side effects .

Tablets
Chemical Name: METHIMAZOLE (meth-IM-a-zole)

Common uses
This medicine is an anti-thyroid agent used to reduce the amount of thyroid hormone produced by your body. It may also be used to treat other conditions as determined by your doctor.

Before using
Some medicines or medical conditions may interact with this medicine. INFORM YOUR DOCTOR OR PHARMACIST of all prescription and over-the-counter medicine that you are taking. ADDITIONAL MONITORING OF YOUR DOSE OR CONDITION may be needed if you are taking anticoagulants (eg, warfarin); beta-blockers (eg, propranolol); digitalis glycosides (eg, digoxin); theophylline; or corticosteroids (eg, hydrocortisone). DO NOT START OR STOP any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval. Inform your doctor of any medical conditions including bone marrow problems; liver problems; exfoliative dermatitis (widespread redness and scaling of the skin); allergies; or pregnancy. USE OF THIS MEDICINE IS NOT RECOMMENDED if you are breast-feeding. Contact your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions or concerns about taking this medicine.

Directions
Follow the directions for using this medicine provided by your doctor. TAKE THIS MEDICINE with or without food. If stomach upset occurs, take with food to reduce stomach irritation. TAKE THIS MEDICINE ON A REGULAR SCHEDULE around the clock, unless otherwise directed by your doctor. STORE THIS MEDICINE between 68 and 77 degrees F (20 and 25 degrees C) away from heat, moisture, and light. Brief storage at temperatures between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 and 30 degrees C) is permitted. Do not store in the bathroom. IF YOU MISS A DOSE OF THIS MEDICINE, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. DO NOT take 2 doses at once.

Cautions
DO NOT TAKE THIS MEDICINE if you have had an allergic reaction to it or if you are allergic to any ingredient in this product. DO NOT EXCEED THE RECOMMENDED DOSE without checking with your doctor. Laboratory and/or medical tests, including thyroid and liver function tests, complete blood cell counts, and blood clotting tests (eg, PT, INR) may be performed to monitor your progress or to check for side effects. KEEP ALL DOCTOR AND LABORATORY APPOINTMENTS while you are taking this medicine. BEFORE YOU HAVE ANY MEDICAL OR DENTAL TREATMENTS, EMERGENCY CARE, OR SURGERY, tell the doctor or dentist that you are using this medicine. This medicine may cause drowsiness, dizziness, or lightheadedness. DO NOT DRIVE, OPERATE MACHINERY, OR DO ANYTHING ELSE THAT COULD BE DANGEROUS until you know how you react to this medicine. Using this medicine alone, with other medicines, or with alcohol may lessen your ability to drive or to perform other potentially dangerous tasks. BEFORE YOU BEGIN TAKING ANY NEW MEDICINE, either prescription or over-the-counter, check with your doctor or pharmacist. FOR WOMEN: THIS MEDICINE HAS BEEN SHOWN TO CAUSE HARM to the human fetus. IF YOU THINK YOU MAY BE PREGNANT, contact you doctor. You will need to discuss the benefits and risks of using this medicine during pregnancy. THIS MEDICINE IS FOUND in breast milk. DO NOT BREAST-FEED while taking this medicine.

Possible side effects
SIDE EFFECTS that may occur while taking this medicine include change in taste; dizziness; drowsiness; headache; joint pain; lightheadedness; muscle pain; nausea; numbness or tingling; stomach upset; or vomiting. If they continue or are bothersome, check with your doctor. CONTACT YOUR DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY if you experience dark urine; fainting; fever, chills, or persistent sore throat; fast or irregular heartbeat; changes in appetite; severe or persistent headache, nausea, or vomiting; stomach pain; tremor; unusual bruising or bleeding; unusual hair loss; unusual tiredness or weakness; vision changes; or yellowing of the skin or eyes. An allergic reaction to this medicine is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, or trouble breathing. This is not a complete list of all side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, contact your healthcare provider. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Drug interactions
Drug interactions can result in unwanted side effects or prevent a medicine from doing its job. Use our drug interaction checker to find out if your medicines interact with each other. Check drug interactions

If you take too much
IF OVERDOSE IS SUSPECTED, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include chest pain; fever; headache; joint pain; nausea; stomach discomfort; swelling; or vomiting.

Additional information
DO NOT SHARE THIS MEDICINE with others for whom it was not prescribed. DO NOT USE THIS MEDICINE for other health conditions. KEEP THIS MEDICINE out of the reach of children and pets. IF YOU WILL BE USING THIS MEDICINE FOR AN EXTENDED PERIOD OF TIME, be sure to obtain necessary refills before your supply runs out.

Selected data included with permission and copyrighted by Medi-Span, 2009. This copyrighted material has been downloaded from a Licensed data provider and is not for distribution in professional healthcare settings.