Tapazole

Hyperthyroidism, Toxic multinodular goiter, Graves Disease + 1 more

Treatment

6 FDA approvals

1 Active Study for Tapazole

What is Tapazole

Methimazole

The Generic name of this drug

Treatment Summary

Methimazole is a medication used to treat hyperthyroidism, a condition where the thyroid gland produces too much of certain hormones. It works by blocking the thyroid gland from making these hormones. This drug was first used in 1949 and is 10 times more powerful than another similar drug, propylthiouracil. Methimazole is the active form of carbimazole, which is used in the United Kingdom and other former British Commonwealth countries. Although it can cause birth defects, the true effects are uncertain, so its use may change in the future.

Methimazole

is the brand name

image of different drug pills on a surface

Tapazole Overview & Background

Brand Name

Generic Name

First FDA Approval

How many FDA approvals?

Methimazole

Methimazole

2000

79

Approved as Treatment by the FDA

Methimazole, also called Methimazole, is approved by the FDA for 6 uses which include Hyperthyroidism and Not a candidate for surgery or radioactive iodine therapy .

Hyperthyroidism

Not a candidate for surgery or radioactive iodine therapy

Helps manage Not a candidate for surgery or radioactive iodine therapy

Graves' Disease

Helps manage Graves' Disease

Graves Disease

Helps manage Graves' Disease

Hyperthyroidism

Toxic multinodular goiter

Effectiveness

How Tapazole Affects Patients

Methimazole is used to treat hyperthyroidism. It starts to work within 12 to 18 hours and can last for 36 to 72 hours. The most dangerous side effect of this drug is agranulocytosis, which can cause fever or a sore throat. Other blood cell levels can also drop. Methimazole may also cause liver damage, so it is important to look out for symptoms such as yellowing of the skin, loss of appetite, itching, or high levels of liver enzymes.

How Tapazole works in the body

Methimazole works to reduce thyroid hormone production. This is accomplished by interfering with a thyroid enzyme, called thyroid peroxidase, which helps convert iodide into iodine. After this conversion, the iodine attaches to other molecules which form the hormones thyroxine (T4) and tri-iodothyronine (T3). Methimazole either acts as a competitive inhibitor to thyroid peroxidase or interacts with the iron molecule at its center to inhibit its function. It is also possible that Methimazole binds directly to the hormone molecules or inhibits them directly.

When to interrupt dosage

The advised measure of Tapazole is contingent upon the diagnosed condition, including Toxic multinodular goiter, Graves' Disease and Not a candidate for surgery or radioactive iodine therapy. The amount of dosage also depends on the method of delivery (e.g. Oral or Tablet) given in the table beneath.

Condition

Dosage

Administration

Toxic multinodular goiter

, 5.0 mg, 10.0 mg, 20.0 mg, 15.0 mg

, Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral

Graves Disease

, 5.0 mg, 10.0 mg, 20.0 mg, 15.0 mg

, Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral

Hyperthyroidism

, 5.0 mg, 10.0 mg, 20.0 mg, 15.0 mg

, Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral

Not a candidate for surgery or radioactive iodine therapy

, 5.0 mg, 10.0 mg, 20.0 mg, 15.0 mg

, Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral

Warnings

Tapazole has one contraindication, so it should not be juxtaposed with the ailments outlined in the following table.

Tapazole Contraindications

Condition

Risk Level

Notes

Severe Hypersensitivity Reactions

Do Not Combine

Methimazole may interact with Pulse Frequency

There are 20 known major drug interactions with Tapazole.

Common Tapazole Drug Interactions

Drug Name

Risk Level

Description

1,2-Benzodiazepine

Major

The metabolism of 1,2-Benzodiazepine can be decreased when combined with Methimazole.

2-Methoxyethanol

Major

The risk or severity of adverse effects can be increased when Methimazole is combined with 2-Methoxyethanol.

3,5-diiodothyropropionic acid

Major

The metabolism of 3,5-diiodothyropropionic acid can be decreased when combined with Methimazole.

5-androstenedione

Major

The metabolism of 5-androstenedione can be decreased when combined with Methimazole.

6-O-benzylguanine

Major

The metabolism of 6-O-benzylguanine can be decreased when combined with Methimazole.

Tapazole Toxicity & Overdose Risk

An overdose of methimazole can cause stomach issues, headaches, fever, joint pain, itchiness and swelling. Very serious side effects such as anemia or a lack of white blood cells may also appear shortly after. It is possible to experience liver inflammation, kidney damage, skin eruptions and changes in the central nervous system. Treatment for an overdose includes monitoring vital signs, oxygen levels and electrolytes, as well as checking bone marrow function.

image of a doctor in a lab doing drug, clinical research

Tapazole Novel Uses: Which Conditions Have a Clinical Trial Featuring Tapazole?

Currently, there are no active clinical trials assessing the potential of Tapazole to address Toxic multinodular goiter, contraindicate Surgery or Radioactive Iodine Therapy and Graves' Disease.

Condition

Clinical Trials

Trial Phases

Toxic multinodular goiter

0 Actively Recruiting

Graves Disease

0 Actively Recruiting

Hyperthyroidism

0 Actively Recruiting

Not a candidate for surgery or radioactive iodine therapy

0 Actively Recruiting

Tapazole Reviews: What are patients saying about Tapazole?

5

Patient Review

7/11/2011

Tapazole for Overactive Thyroid Gland

I've been using Tapazole for Grave's Disease for over ten years now, and can vouch for its efficacy. In low maintenance dosages like 2.5 to 10mg, the risks of any serious side effects are very slim. Additionally, treatment is inexpensive compared to surgery or RAI, and you don't have to take weeks off from work. If you're not allergic to it, there's no reason you can't keep taking Tapazole every time you relapse; though finding the right doctor can be harder.

5

Patient Review

4/8/2015

Tapazole for Overactive Thyroid Gland

I was diagnosed with Graves Disease in late December 2014 and Tapazole has been a godsend. Not only have my symptoms abated, but my hair which had begun thinning and falling out has stopped sheading and is growing back!

5

Patient Review

5/2/2011

Tapazole for Overactive Thyroid Gland

5

Patient Review

9/8/2011

Tapazole for Overactive Thyroid Gland

I started taking this medicine three months ago. I have experienced significant fatigue and weight gain (12 pounds). Otherwise, no other side effects. In my opinion, the cure is worse than the disease.

5

Patient Review

11/17/2019

Tapazole for Overactive Thyroid Gland

I've used this medication for three and a half years to treat my Graves disease, dosage ranging from 20mg to 5mg. I had weekly blood tests for the first eight weeks of treatment to monitor any potential side effects. When taking doses over 10mg, I always take LEUCOGEN as well.

4.7

Patient Review

1/11/2012

Tapazole for Overactive Thyroid Gland

I had some bad side effects when I first started taking this medication, but they went away after a couple of weeks. My T4 values dropped significantly within the first month, and I haven't experienced any major problems since then.

4.7

Patient Review

4/3/2013

Tapazole for Overactive Thyroid Gland

This treatment has helped me a lot with my illness.

4.3

Patient Review

10/19/2012

Tapazole for Overactive Thyroid Gland

I was on the 10mg dosage, but it lowered the activity of my thyroid too much, so now I'm only taking 5mg once a day.

4

Patient Review

5/2/2014

Tapazole for Overactive Thyroid Gland

Within two weeks of taking this medication, I experienced an irregular heart beat.

3.7

Patient Review

8/15/2011

Tapazole for Overactive Thyroid Gland

I started on 30 mg a day and then upped it to 40 after a few months. I stuck with it for about half a year before my doctor told me to stop taking it completely for two weeks, then start again at 20 mg a day. I was feeling tired, sore, and disconnected by that point. I probably should have reduced the dosage sooner. Its been four days since I last took any and I'm still feeling pretty exhausted and out of touch but, all things considered, this has been a positive experience.

3.7

Patient Review

6/5/2011

Tapazole for Overactive Thyroid Gland

3.3

Patient Review

6/16/2013

Tapazole for Overactive Thyroid Gland

I had been on this medication for a year when I decided to stop taking it and get my thyroid retested. I never experienced any of the severe side effects that I was terrified of, save for strep throat which was easy to treat. Almost immediately after starting the medication, I could tell a difference.

3.3

Patient Review

7/25/2013

Tapazole for Overactive Thyroid Gland

I've only been on this medication for two days. I'm wondering how long it will take to start working.

1.7

Patient Review

1/4/2014

Tapazole for Overactive Thyroid Gland

I was diagnosed with Graves disease in 2007. My symptoms and blood values were mild, so I started on a daily dose of 10 mg Tapazole. Within days, my T3 and T4 levels normalized; however, my TSH level rose to 0 for the first two years. I added L-Carnitine and my TSH rose to .05; then, I added Acetyl-L-Carnitine 500 mg and my TSH rose to 0.78. When I stopped taking the carnitines, my TSH fell again but does not remain normal unless I add Acetyl-L
image of drug pills surrounding a glass of water symbolizing drug consumption

Patient Q&A Section about tapazole

These questions and answers are submitted by anonymous patients, and have not been verified by our internal team.

Will Tapazole cause weight gain?

"While you are taking Tapazole to treat your hyperthyroidism, you may experience excessive weight gain. To counteract this, make sure you maintain a healthy diet and stay active."

Answered by AI

What does Tapazole do in the body?

"Tapazole is a medication used to prevent the thyroid gland from producing too much thyroid hormone. It is also used before thyroid surgery or radioactive iodine treatment."

Answered by AI

Why is Tapazole given?

"Off label use means that the drug has not been approved by the FDA for use in animals and that the veterinarian is prescribing the drug for a use that is not listed on the drug label.

Methimazole is an antithyroid medication used to treat hyperthyroidism in cats which is sometimes used for 'off label' or 'extra label' purposes in cats and guinea pigs. Many drugs are commonly prescribed for off label use in veterinary medicine which means that the drug has not been approved by the FDA for use in animals and that the veterinarian is prescribing the drug for a use that is not listed on the drug label."

Answered by AI

How long can you take Tapazole?

"He summarized that long-term, low-dose methimazole treatment for 60-120 months is a safe and effective treatment for Graves hyperthyroidism and is accompanied by much higher remission rates than the usual 18-24 months of methimazole treatment."

Answered by AI

Clinical Trials for Tapazole

Image of Pediatric Endocrinology at Northwell Health in New Hyde Park, United States.

Vitamin D for Graves' Disease

9 - 17
All Sexes
New Hyde Park, NY

The goal of this randomized pilot feasibility clinical trial is to determine the feasibility of implementing a protocol for a larger trial to assess the effects of high-dose vitamin D supplementation in pediatric patients (9-17 years old) newly diagnosed with Graves' disease. The main questions it aims to answer are: What are the recruitment and adherence rates for a larger trial using this protocol? Is the data collection process complete and robust enough for a larger trial? What are the potential barriers to implementing a larger-scale trial? Researchers will compare vitamin D supplementation plus standard methimazole therapy to methimazole therapy alone (with participants permitted to take up to 1000 International Units of vitamin D2 daily) to explore potential effects on thyroid hormone and antibody levels. Participants will: Be randomized to either the intervention or control group. Take study medications (vitamin D or placebo) as directed. Attend regular study visits for blood tests and clinical assessments. Complete medication logs.

Phase 2
Recruiting

Pediatric Endocrinology at Northwell Health

Sharon Hyman, MD