৳ 6/unit
Pack: ৳ 60
৳ 6/unit
Pack: ৳ 60
At a glance
Methimazole is an anti-thyroid drug used for the treatment of hyperthyroidism. It works by inhibiting the synthesis of thyroid hormones.
Indications
- Graves' disease or toxic multinodular goiter - when surgery or radioactive iodine therapy is not appropriate
- To ameliorate symptoms of hyperthyroidism in preparation for thyroidectomy or radioactive iodine therapy
Pharmacology
Methimazole inhibits thyroid peroxidase enzyme to prevent the synthesis of thyroid hormones (T3 and T4).
Dosage
Adult Dose (Oral):
- Mild hyperthyroidism: 15 mg/day (in 3 divided doses, 8-hour intervals)
- Moderate-severe: 30-40 mg/day
- Severe: 60 mg/day
- Maintenance: 5-15 mg/day
Pediatric Dose: 0.4 mg/kg/day (in 3 divided doses); Maintenance: approximately half of initial dose
Side effects
Common Side Effects:
- Skin rash, urticaria
- Nausea, vomiting, epigastric distress
- Arthralgia, paresthesia
- Loss of taste, hair loss
- Myalgia, headache
- Pruritus, drowsiness, neuritis
- Edema, vertigo, skin pigmentation
- Jaundice, sialadenopathy, lymphadenopathy
Use in pregnancy
Use in Pregnancy: Methimazole is unsafe during pregnancy (Category D); risk of congenital malformations, especially in the first trimester. Use only if needed and at the lowest effective dose.
Pregnancy Category: D — always consult a doctor before taking during pregnancy.
Precautions & warnings
- Report immediately if symptoms of agranulocytosis (fever, sore throat) occur
- Discontinue if liver toxicity (transaminases >3x ULN) occurs
- Monitor TSH and free T4 regularly for hypothyroidism
- Avoid use in first trimester of pregnancy (risk of fetal harm)
- Caution during lactation
Overdose effects
Overdose may cause nausea, vomiting, epigastric distress, headache, fever, joint pain, pruritus, edema; agranulocytosis or aplastic anemia may occur; symptomatic treatment.
Storage conditions
Store below 30°C in a cool and dry place, away from light; keep out of reach of children.