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Tapazole
(methimazole)-
In this factsheet:
- How does Tapazole work? What will it do for me?
- How should I use Tapazole?
- What form(s) does Tapazole come in?
- Who should NOT take Tapazole?
- What side effects are possible with Tapazole?
- Are there any other precautions or warnings for Tapazole?
- What other drugs could interact with Tapazole?
DIN (Drug Identification Number)
| 00015741 | TAPAZOLE 5MG TABLET |
| 02296039 | TAPAZOLE 10MG TABLET |
How does Tapazole work? What will it do for me?
Methimazole belongs to the class of medications called antithyroid medications. It is used to treat hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid gland). It prevents the thyroid gland from over-producing thyroid hormone, but does not interfere with the actions of thyroid hormone. It may take weeks to months before methimazole has its full effect on the symptoms of overactive thyroid (e.g., palpitations, sweating). During this time period, other medications may be used to control these symptoms.
Your doctor may have suggested this medication for conditions other than the ones listed in these drug information articles. If you have not discussed this with your doctor or are not sure why you are taking this medication, speak to your doctor. Do not stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor.
Do not give this medication to anyone else, even if they have the same symptoms as you do. It can be harmful for people to take this medication if their doctor has not prescribed it.
How should I use Tapazole?
Adults: Methimazole is taken three times daily, every eight hours. The recommended starting total dose of methimazole is 15 mg daily for mild hyperthyroidism, 30 mg to 40 mg daily for moderately severe hyperthyroidism, and 60 mg daily for severe hyperthyroidism. The eventual maintenance dose is normally 5 mg to 15 mg daily.
Children: For children, the daily dose is initially 0.4 mg per kg of body weight, divided into three doses and given every eight hours. The eventual maintenance dose is usually one-half the initial dose.
Methimazole can be taken with or without food.
Many things can affect the dose of medication that a person needs, such as body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. If your doctor has recommended a dose different from the ones listed here, do not change the way that you are taking the medication without consulting your doctor.
It is important that this medication be taken exactly as prescribed by your doctor. The three daily doses should be taken as close to every eight hours as possible so that blood levels are kept as constant as possible. If you miss a dose of this medication, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, take both doses together. If you miss more than one dose, check with your doctor.
Store this medication at room temperature, away from moisture and sunlight.
Do not dispose of medications in wastewater (e.g. down the sink or in the toilet) or in household garbage. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medications that are no longer needed or have expired.
What form(s) does Tapazole come in?
5 mg
Each round, white, scored tablet, debossed with "J94" on one side and scored on the other side, contains methimazole 5 mg. Nonmedicinal ingredients: corn starch, lactose monohydrate, magnesium stearate and talc.
10 mg
Each round, white tablet, debossed with "10" on one side and plain on the other side, contains methimazole 10 mg. Nonmedicinal ingredients: corn starch, lactose monohydrate, magnesium stearate and talc.
Who should NOT take Tapazole?
Methimazole should not be taken by anyone who:
- has a known sensitivity or allergy to methimazole or to any of the ingredients of the medication
- is breast-feeding
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