Methimazole
Methimazole is an antithyroid medicine that lowers hormone production in an overactive thyroid, sold here as Tapazole tablets in 5mg and 10mg strengths.
How methimazole settles an overactive thyroid
An overactive thyroid gland — hyperthyroidism — releases far more thyroid hormone than the body needs, which shows up as a racing heartbeat, weight loss, shaky hands, sweating and a dislike of heat. Methimazole slows that output at the source. It blocks the enzyme the gland uses to build iodine into fresh thyroid hormone, so new thyroxine and triiodothyronine are not made. Hormone already sitting in the gland still leaks into the blood, which is why the full effect builds over weeks rather than days.
It is also given to bring levels down before thyroid surgery or radioiodine treatment.
How the tablets are taken
Three doses a day is the usual pattern, spaced roughly eight hours apart and taken with food; a glass of milk helps if the tablets upset your stomach. Keeping the times steady keeps the amount in your body steady too. The tablets keep well in their original closed container on a cool, dry shelf.
Side effects to expect, and the ones that need urgent help
Rash, itching, thinning hair, an upset stomach, a metallic taste or loss of taste, tingling hands, swollen or aching joints and muscles, drowsiness and dizziness are the effects people report most often, and many ease as treatment continues.
The blood count can fall. A sore throat, fever or mouth ulcers may mean the white cells have dropped and need urgent treatment; yellowing of the skin or eyes, dark urine, or pain under the right ribs with a lost appetite point to the liver and are just as serious. Unusual bruising or bleeding suggests a fall in platelets.
Interactions and who should not take it
Methimazole is not used during pregnancy or breastfeeding. It can make warfarin and other blood thinners act more strongly. Anyone allergic to methimazole itself should not take it.
Choosing methimazole tablets
The methimazole line here is Tapazole, tablets in 5mg and 10mg that also carry the plain name methimazole. Both strengths are the same medicine; blood tests during treatment show whether the dose needs adjusting, so a higher strength is used when thyroid levels sit further above range. It belongs with the rest of the thyroid range.
Sources
- Methimazole: MedlinePlus Drug Information — MedlinePlus
- Label: METHIMAZOLE tablet - DailyMed — DailyMed
Where can I order Methimazole for delivery in Hong Kong?
Methimazole can be ordered online with delivery to Hong Kong. The range includes generic Tapazole, also sold as Methimazole tablets, in 5mg and 10mg tablets. You can cancel an order within 24 hours if it has not been dispatched, and support is available 24/7 in English and Cantonese.
How much does Methimazole cost?
The methimazole product has its own price per pack, shown on its page in HKD or your selected currency; larger packs usually cost less per unit.
Do I need a prescription to order Methimazole?
PockDose does not ask you to upload a prescription when you order methimazole. See the ordering FAQ for details.
What are the other names for methimazole?
Tapazole is a brand name of methimazole. Here, methimazole can be bought online as generic Tapazole. These are generics, not the original brand.
What is the difference between Tapazole and methimazole?
They are the same medicine. Tapazole is the brand name for methimazole, and the tablets stocked here are labelled both ways. Whichever name you order, you get the same active ingredient in 5mg and 10mg tablets.
How long do people stay on methimazole?
It depends on why it was started. Some people take it for a few weeks or months to bring levels down before thyroid surgery or radioiodine, while others stay on it for years with blood tests keeping their hormone levels steady.
Does methimazole cause weight gain?
Some people put on weight, and much of it is the body catching up. An overactive thyroid burns energy fast, so once hormone levels come down the same meals go further, and appetite can stay high for a while. Watching portions is the practical answer.
Is methimazole the same as levothyroxine?
No, they do opposite jobs. Levothyroxine is the thyroid hormone itself, given when the gland makes too little. Methimazole holds production back when the gland makes too much, so an underactive thyroid and an overactive one call for different medicines.