Methimazole is an oral prescription medication used to treat hyperthyroidism, or an overactive thyroid gland. This condition results in excess production of the metabolic hormones thyroxine, or T4, and triiodithyronine, or T3, by the thyroid gland, which lies below the Adam's apple in the neck. Hyperthyroidism causes the gland to be enlarged and also increases the body's metabolic rate, causing symptoms such as weight loss, fatigue, excess sweating, nervousness and digestive problems. Methimazole works by inhibiting the excess production of thyroid hormones, helping to balance metabolism and decreasing the effects of hyperthyroidism.
Step 1
Read the instructions on how to take the prescription medication methimazole and discuss any questions or concerns with your doctor or pharmacist. Follow the directions carefully. Methimazole also is sold under the brand names Tapazole and Northyx. It is sold in 5, 10 and 15 mg tablets.
Step 2
Take the recommended dosage of methimazole as prescribed by your doctor. The initial daily dose is 5 to 15 mg for mild hyperthyroidism, 30 to 40 mg for moderately serious hyperthyroidism and up to 60 mg for severe hyperthyroidism.
Step 3
Take the daily dose of methimazole divided into three doses and taken eight hours apart. Children are given dosages of approximately 0.4 mg per kilogram of body weight, divided into three daily doses.
Step 4
Continue the methimazole therapy as prescribed by your doctor. The duration of the treatment depends on the extent and underlying cause of the hyperthyroidism. This medication also can be used before or in conjunction with other thyroid treatments, such as surgery.
Tips and Warnings
- In some cases, medications might not be enough to treat hyperthyroidism, and treatment such as radioactive iodine and surgical removal of the thyroid gland might be necessary. The thyroid hormones are potent chemicals that affect the body in significant ways. Monitor your symptoms and medications carefully and consult your doctor at regular checkups.
- Methimazole can harm a fetus and is passed through breast milk, and pregnant and nursing women should not take this drug. Like other prescription drugs, methimazole can cause side effects such as itching, rashes, hives, pigmentation, swelling and hair loss. Other side effects include nausea, vomiting, heartburn, decreased taste, numbness, joint pain and headaches. Report any side effects to your doctor. Less common but more serious side effects include a decrease in white blood cells (agranulocytosis) and blood platelets (thrombocytopenia).
Things You'll Need
- Methimazole prescription medication
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