Tapazole (Methimazole) Drug Information: Description, User Reviews, Drug Side Effects, Interactions

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February 8, 2012

Tapazole

Hyperthyroidism »

What is hyperthyroidism?

Hyperthyroidism is a condition in which an overactive thyroid gland is producing an excessive amount of thyroid hormones that circulate in the blood. ("Hyper" means "over" in Greek). Thyrotoxicosis is a toxic condition that is caused by an excess of thyroid hormones from any cause. Thyrotoxicosis can be caused by an excessive intake of thyroid hormone or by overproduction of thyroid hormones by the thyroid gland. Because both physicians and patients often use these words interchangeably, we will take some liberty by using the term "hyperthyroidism" throughout this article.

What are thyroid hormones?

Thyroid hormones stimulate the metabolism of cells. They are produced by the thyroid gland. The thyroid gland is located in the lower part of the neck, below the Adam's apple. The gland wraps around the windpipe (trachea) and has a shape that is similar to a butterfly formed by two wings (lobe...

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Tapazole

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TAPAZOLE
(methimazole) Tablet

DRUG DESCRIPTION

Tapazole® (Methimazole Tablets, USP) (1-methylimidazole-2-thiol) is a white, crystalline substance that is freely soluble in water. It differs chemically from the drugs of the thiouracil series primarily because it has a 5- instead of a 6-membered ring.

Each tablet contains 5 or 10 mg (43.8 or 87.6 μmol) methimazole, an orally administered antithyroid drug.

Each tablet also contains lactose monohydrate, magnesium stearate, starch (corn), pregelatinized starch and talc.

The molecular weight is 114.16, and the molecular formula is C₄H₆N₂S. The structural formula is as follows:

TAPAZOLE (methimazole) Structural Formula Illustration

What are the possible side effects of methimazole (Northyx, Tapazole)?

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Stop taking methimazole and call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:

fever, chills, sore throat, body aches, flu symptoms;
easy bruising or bleeding, unusual weakness;
blood in your urine or stools;
severe blistering, peeling, and red skin rash; or
nausea, stomach pain, low fever,...

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What are the precautions when taking methimazole (Tapazole)?

Before taking methimazole, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: blood disorders (such as agranulocytosis, thrombocytopenia), liver disease.

Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products).

This medication is not recommended for use during the first 3 months of pregnancy. It should be used only when clearly needed during the last 6 months of pregnancy. Discuss the...

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Last reviewed on RxList: 1/22/2010
This monograph has been modified to include the generic and brand name in many instances.