**What is methimazole pill?** Methimazole tablet is a drug that is used in the treatment of some disorders in the thyroid, especially the treatment of hyperthyroidism or hyperthyroidism, which is usually caused by thyroid goiter or Hashimoto's disease. Methimazole helps the thyroid gland by reducing the production of thyroid hormones. This drug is also used before thyroid surgery or radioactive iodine treatment. The use of this medicine should be done under the supervision of a doctor and carefully, because it has side effects and drug interactions and requires medical supervision. This drug is sometimes prescribed for other uses, so ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information. ### **What is the use of methimazole tablets?** Methimazole tablets are from the group of anti-thyroid drugs that are used to treat and control complications caused by excessive production of thyroid hormones in the body. Methimazole helps regulate the level of thyroid hormones in the body by inhibiting the activity of the thyroid gland and reducing the production of thyroid hormones. This drug is usually used to control the symptoms of hyperthyroidism, such as thinness and weight loss, shortness of breath, excessive sweating, body tremors, etc. But methimazole has many side effects for the body. As a result, experts and doctors recommend thyroid surgery as a better way to control this disease. Contact us to schedule an appointment with Dr. Ahmad Fanai, thyroid and parathyroid surgeon and member of the American Association of Thyroid Surgeons (ATA). ### **How to take methimazole tablets?** How to use methimazole tablets should be based on the doctor's prescription. But in general, usually this drug should be taken orally. Exact instructions for use and amount of use may be different based on the severity of the disease, age and health status of the person. This medicine is usually prescribed three times a day and once every eight hours, with or without food. Generally, methimazole should be taken with or after food. Also, talk to your doctor about taking other medications that may interact with methimazole. You may need to have regular blood tests to monitor your thyroid hormone levels. **Pay attention!** Pay attention to any unpleasant symptoms or side effects that may occur from taking methimazole and tell your doctor right away. ### **Important tips for taking methimazole thyroid medication** - Taking methimazole tablets may cause stomach upset, nausea, vomiting, rashes and mild itching. If any of these symptoms persist or worsen, notify your doctor or pharmacist. Methimazole may cause stomach upset. - It is better to take methimazole with food or milk. - Remember to always take medications as prescribed by your doctor and avoid changing the dosage arbitrarily. - If your symptoms do not improve or your condition worsens, inform the endocrinologist. - If you are having surgery, including dental surgery, tell your doctor or dentist that you are taking methimazole. Methimazole can reduce the effect of the following drugs: **I-131 sodium iodide:** Methimazole treatment should be stopped 3-4 days before I-131 administration. **Vitamin K antagonist anticoagulants:** Change in drug dosage should be considered. ### **What should we do if we forget a dose of methimazole?** If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule at 8-hour intervals or as directed by your doctor. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed dose. ### **Contraindications for methimazole drug** Tell your doctor if you are allergic to metazimazole, lactose, or any other medications. Tell your doctor about the prescription and over-the-counter medications you are taking, especially the following: Anticoagulants (blood thinners) such as warfarin (Coumadin) - Beta blockers such as propranolol (Inderal) - Diabetes medications - Digoxin (Lanoxin) - Theophylline - Vitamins Tell your doctor about any diseases you have, especially the following: - Blood disease such as reduction of white blood cells (leukopenia) - Reduction of platelets (thrombocytopenia) or aplastic anemia - Liver disease (hepatitis, jaundice) - Weak immune system ### **use of methimazole in pregnancy and breastfeeding** Methimazole tablets should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding. If you become pregnant while taking methimazole, call your doctor right away. Methimazole may harm an unborn baby. It can also be transmitted to the baby through milk during breastfeeding. As a result, you should not use this medicine during breastfeeding. ### **side effects of methimazole drug** In addition to stomach upset, nausea, vomiting, rashes and mild itching mentioned earlier, methimazole may have other side effects. These side effects may occur in some people. Some common side effects of methimazole include: **Liver damage**: In some cases, taking methimazole can damage the liver. Tell your doctor if you have symptoms such as yellowing of the skin, dark urine, severe fatigue, or abdominal pain. **damage to blood cells**: Methimazole may cause a decrease in the number of blood cells such as leukocytes (white blood cells) and thrombocytes (platelet cells). Tell your doctor if you have symptoms such as unusual bleeding, severe headache, or general weakness. Damage to other glands: Methimazole may affect the parathyroid glands (which control blood calcium). Tell your doctor if you have symptoms such as changes in blood calcium levels. Methimazole may also cause the following side effects, which should be reported to your doctor if any occur: - Skin rash - itching - Abnormal hair loss - Stomach upset - Vomiting - Loss of taste - Abnormal sensations (pins and needles, burning, tightness and pulling) - Swelling - Joint and muscle pain - Drowsiness - Dizziness - Reduction of white blood cells - Reduction of platelets If you experience any of the following symptoms after taking methimazole tablets, call your doctor right away: - Sore throat - Fever - Headache - Trembling - Unusual bleeding or bruising - Right abdominal pain with loss of appetite - Yellowing of the skin or eyes - Skin eruption (hives or skin rash) Remember that each person may respond differently to medications and their side effects. If you experience any unusual symptoms, see your doctor for evaluation. ### **How to store methimazole** - Keep medicines out of the reach of children. - Store at room temperature between 20 and 25 degrees Celsius (68 and 77 degrees Fahrenheit). - Keep the medicine lid tightly closed. - Protect the medication from light and discard any unused medication after the expiration date.