0

Home > Drug Category > Thyroid Disorders > Tapazole and Equivalent

Tapazole Information

Tapazole (Methimazole) is used to treat hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid) such as in Grave disease (a condition that occurs when the thyroid gland begins to produce an excess of thyroid hormone). It is also used before thyroid surgery to lower thyroid hormone levels and minimize the effects of thyroid manipulation or in radioactive iodine treatment. Tapazole may be used alone or with other medications to treat toxic multinodular goiter and thyrotoxic crises. Tapazole belongs to a class of drugs called Antithyroid Agents. It inhibits the enzyme thyroperoxidase, which normally acts in the synthesis of thyroid hormones and thereby stopping the thyroid gland from making too much thyroid hormone.

Tapazole Side Effects

The most common side effects of Tapazole may include: nausea, vomiting, upset stomach, headache, dizziness, rash, itching, skin discoloration, muscle or joint pain, and decreased sense of taste. Call your doctor right away if you have any of the serious side effects such as:
• Abnormal sensations (tingling, prickling, burning, tightness, and pulling);
• Clay-colored stools;
• Cold or flu symptoms;
• Dark urine;
• Easy bruising;
• Itching;
• Loss of appetite;
• Nausea;
• Painful mouth sores;
• Pain when swallowing;
• Pale skin;
• Red or swollen gums;
• Swelling;
• Swollen glands in your neck or jaw;
• Unusual bleeding;
• Upper stomach pain;
• Tiredness;
• Yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice).

Tapazole Precautions

Do not use Tapazole if you are allergic to it and any of its ingredients. Inform your doctor of any other medications you are taking including prescription medications, over-the-counter drugs, vitamin supplements, and herbal products, to reduce the number of negative interactions between drugs. Tell your doctor about all your current medicines and any you start or stop using, especially:
• A blood thinner (such as Warfarin, Coumadin, and Jantoven);
• A beta-blocker (such as Atenolol, Carvedilol, Labetalol, Metoprolol, Nadolol, Propranolol, Sotalol, and others);
• Diabetes medications (such as Metformin, Glibenclamide, and Glimepiride);
• Digoxin (Lanoxin);
• Digitalis;
• Theophylline (Theobid, Theo-Dur);
• Vitamins.

Do not stay near people with infections or flu; Tapazole can reduce the number of cells that fight infection in the body. Do not give this medicine to a child without medical advice. Do not breastfeed while taking Tapazole. Consult your doctor if you are pregnant; Tapazole crosses the placental membranes and can cause fetal harm when administered in the first trimester of pregnancy. Tapazole should not be used in patients with a history of hypersensitivity to the drug, including a history of serious rash or skin eruption, or drug-induced liver disease. Inform your doctor of your medical history especially if you have:
• A blood cell disorder (aplastic anemia);
• A weak immune system;
• Agranulocytosis;
• Thrombocytopenia (decreased platelets);
• Leukopenia (decreased white blood cells);
• Liver disease (hepatitis, jaundice);
• Pancreatitis.

Do I need a prescription to order Tapazole?

Yes, a prescription is required from your physician to order Tapazole.