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General Medication Fact Sheet for Tapazole
| Field | Information |
|---|---|
| Medication Name | Tapazole |
| Generic Name | Methimazole |
| Boxed/Label Warning | Agranulocytosis, hepatotoxicity, congenital malformations |
| Purpose | To treat hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid) |
| Mechanism of Action | Inhibits the enzyme thyroid peroxidase, reducing the production of thyroid hormones (T4 and T3) |
| Dosage Forms | Oral tablets |
| Available Strengths | 5 mg, 10 mg |
| Dosage Frequency | Typically once daily or divided into multiple doses, as directed by a healthcare provider |
| Common Side Effects | Rash, itching, nausea, vomiting, upset stomach, joint pain, headache |
| Serious Side Effects | Agranulocytosis (low white blood cell count), liver damage, hypothyroidism, vasculitis, birth defects (if taken during pregnancy) |
| Drug Interactions | Anticoagulants (e.g., warfarin), beta-blockers, digoxin, iodine-containing medications |
| Important Notes | Regular blood tests are necessary to monitor thyroid function and white blood cell count; report any signs of infection or illness to your doctor immediately; inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant |
| Storage | Store at room temperature away from moisture and light |
| Missed Dose | Take as soon as you remember; skip if it’s almost time for your next dose. Do not double the dose. |
| Alternatives | Propylthiouracil (PTU), Radioactive iodine, Thyroidectomy (surgical removal of the thyroid) |
Tapazole Alternatives
| Medication | Mechanism of Action | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Propylthiouracil (PTU) | Inhibits thyroid peroxidase and prevents conversion of T4 to T3 | Another thionamide medication; often used in the first trimester of pregnancy. |
| Radioactive iodine | Destroys thyroid cells | Taken orally; often leads to permanent hypothyroidism. |
| Thyroidectomy (Surgical removal of the thyroid) | Physical removal of the thyroid gland | Surgical option for hyperthyroidism. |
Tapazole Side Effects
| Common Side Effects | Serious Side Effects |
|---|---|
| Rash | Agranulocytosis (low white blood cell count) |
| Itching | Liver damage |
| Nausea | Hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid) |
| Vomiting | Vasculitis (inflammation of blood vessels) |
| Upset stomach | Birth defects (if taken during pregnancy) |
| Joint pain | Severe allergic reactions |
| Headache | Lupus-like syndrome |
Tapazole Dosage Guide
| Condition | Starting Dose | Maintenance Dose | Administration Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hyperthyroidism (Mild) | 5 mg | 5-15 mg daily | Adjust based on thyroid function tests. |
| Hyperthyroidism (Moderate) | 10 mg | 10-20 mg daily | Adjust based on thyroid function tests. |
| Hyperthyroidism (Severe) | 20 mg | 15-30 mg daily | Adjust based on thyroid function tests. |
