Tapazole (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 Tapazole (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.

Tapazole (Methimazole) may be available under multiple brand names and/or in several different forms. Any specific brand name of Tapazole (Methimazole) may not be available in all of the forms or approved for all of the conditions discussed here. As well, some forms of Tapazole (Methimazole) may not be used for all of the conditions discussed here.

Your doctor may have suggested Tapazole (Methimazole) for conditions other than those listed in these drug information articles. If you have not discussed this with your doctor or are not sure why you are taking Tapazole (Methimazole), speak to your doctor. Do not stop taking Tapazole (Methimazole) without consulting your doctor.

Do not give Tapazole (Methimazole) to anyone else, even if they have the same symptoms as you do. It can be harmful for people to take Tapazole (Methimazole) if their doctor has not prescribed it.

Adults: Tapazole (Methimazole) is taken 3 times daily, every 8 hours. The recommended starting total dose of Tapazole (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 kilogram of body weight, divided into 3 doses and given every 8 hours. The eventual maintenance dose is usually one-half the initial dose.

Tapazole (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 or pharmacist.

It is important to take Tapazole (Methimazole) exactly as prescribed by your doctor. The 3 daily doses should be taken as close to every 8 hours as possible so that blood levels are kept as constant as possible. If you miss a dose of Tapazole (Methimazole), take it as soon as possible and check with your doctor or pharmacist.

Store Tapazole (Methimazole) at room temperature, protect it from light and moisture, and keep it out of the reach of children.

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.

Many medications can cause side effects. A side effect is an unwanted response to a medication when it is taken in normal doses. Side effects can be mild or severe, temporary or permanent. The side effects listed below are not experienced by everyone who takes Tapazole (Methimazole). If you are concerned about side effects, discuss the risks and benefits of Tapazole (Methimazole) with your doctor.

The following side effects have been reported by at least 1% of people taking Tapazole (Methimazole). Many of these side effects can be managed, and some may go away on their own over time.

Contact your doctor if you experience these side effects and they are severe or bothersome. Your pharmacist may be able to advise you on managing side effects.

• change in skin colour
• dizziness
• drowsiness
• hair loss
• headache
• heartburn
• loss of appetite
• loss of taste sensation
• nausea
• skin rash or itching
• stomach pain
• vomiting

Although most of these side effects listed below don't happen very often, they could lead to serious problems if you do not check with your doctor or seek medical attention.

Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur:

• kidney inflammation (e.g., backache, decreased urine, cloudy or bloody urine)
• lupus-like symptoms (e.g., Fever, general feeling of being unwell, joint pain, confusion, muscle aches, skin rash)
• muscle or joint pain
• numbness or tingling of fingers, toes, or face
• pinpoint-sized red spots on skin
• shortness of breath
• signs of clotting problems (e.g., unusual nosebleeds, bruising, blood in urine, coughing blood, bleeding gums, cuts that don’t stop bleeding)
• swelling of feet or lower legs
• swollen lymph nodes
• swollen salivary glands
• symptoms of liver damage (e.g., yellow skin or eyes, abdominal pain, dark urine, clay-coloured stools, loss of appetite, nausea and vomiting, or itching)
• symptoms of low blood sugar (e.g., cold sweat, cool pale skin, headache, fast heartbeat, weakness)

Stop taking the medication and seek immediate medical attention if any of the following occur:

• increased frequency of infections (fever or chills, severe Diarrhea, shortness of breath, prolonged dizziness, headache, stiff neck, weight loss, or listlessness)
• severe skin rash
• signs of pancreatitis (e.g., abdominal pain on the upper left side, back pain, nausea, fever, chills, rapid heartbeat, swollen abdomen)

Some people may experience side effects other than those listed. Check with your doctor if you notice any symptom that worries you while you are taking Tapazole (Methimazole).

5 mg
Each round, white, scored tablet, marked with "J94" on one side and plain on the other, contains Tapazole (Methimazole) 5 mg. Nonmedicinal ingredients: corn starch, lactose monohydrate, magnesium stearate, and talc.

10 mg
Each round, white tablet, marked with "10" on one side and plain on the other side, contains 10 mg Tapazole (Methimazole). Nonmedicinal ingredients: corn starch, lactose monohydrate, magnesium stearate, and talc.

Tapazole (Methimazole) should not be taken by anyone who:

• is allergic to Tapazole (Methimazole) or to any of the ingredients of the medication
• have a history of pancreatitis after taking Tapazole (Methimazole) in the past
• is breast-feeding

There may be an interaction between Tapazole (Methimazole) and any of the following:

• BCG intravesical
• Cladribine
• Clozapine
• Deferiprone
• Digoxin
• dipyrone
• Prednisolone
• sodium iodide
• theophyllines (e.g., Aminophylline, Oxtriphylline, Theophylline)
• Warfarin

If you are taking any of these medications, speak with your doctor or pharmacist. Depending on your specific circumstances, your doctor may want you to:

• stop taking one of the medications,
• change one of the medications to another,
• change how you are taking one or both of the medications, or
• leave everything as is.

An interaction between two medications does not always mean that you must stop taking one of them. Speak to your doctor about how any drug interactions are being managed or should be managed.

Medications other than those listed above may interact with Tapazole (Methimazole). Tell your doctor or prescriber about all prescription, over-the-counter (non-prescription), and herbal medications you are taking. Also tell them about any supplements you take. Since caffeine, alcohol, the Nicotine from cigarettes, or street drugs can affect the action of many medications, you should let your prescriber know if you use them.

Before you begin using a medication, be sure to inform your doctor of any medical conditions or Allergies you may have, any medications you are taking, whether you are pregnant or breast-feeding, and any other significant facts about your health. These factors may affect how you should use Tapazole (Methimazole).

Bleeding:  Tapazole (Methimazole) may cause a reduced number of platelets in the blood, which can make it difficult to stop cuts from bleeding. If you notice any signs of bleeding, such as frequent nosebleeds, unexplained bruising, or black and tarry stools, notify your doctor as soon as possible. Your doctor will order routine blood tests to make sure potential problems are caught early.

Galactose intolerance/glucose malabsorption: Tapazole (Methimazole) medications are prepared with lactose. If you have lactose or galactose intolerance you should not take these medications.

Infection: Tapazole (Methimazole) can reduce the number of cells that fight infection in the body (white blood cells). Your doctor will likely want you to have laboratory tests done on a regular basis because in rare cases, Tapazole (Methimazole) can cause the levels of white blood cells to decrease. Low white blood cell levels can increase the risk of infection. If you have a sore throat, skin rash, fever, headache, or a general feeling of being unwell, tell your doctor immediately.

Pregnancy: Tapazole (Methimazole) should not be used during pregnancy unless the benefits outweigh the risks. If you become pregnant while taking Tapazole (Methimazole), contact your doctor immediately.

Breast-feeding: Tapazole (Methimazole) passes into breast milk. If you are a breast-feeding mother and are taking Tapazole (Methimazole), it may affect your baby. Women using Tapazole (Methimazole) are advised to not breast-feed.