Methimazole Oral tablet

What is this medicine?

METHIMAZOLE (meth IM a zole) prevents the thyroid gland from producing too much thyroid hormone. It is used to treat a condition known as hyperthyroidism.

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• bone marrow disease

• liver disease

• an unusual or allergic reaction to methimazole, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives

• pregnant or trying to get pregnant

• breast-feeding

How should I use this medicine?

Take this medicine by mouth with a glass of water. Follow the directions on the prescription label. You can take this medicine with or without food. However, you should always take it the same way to make sure the effects are the same. Take your doses at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed. Do not stop taking this medicine except on the advice of your doctor or health care professional.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed. While this drug may be prescribed for children for selected conditions, precautions do apply.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

What may interact with this medicine?

Do not take this medicine with any of the following medications:

• sodium iodide

• thyroid hormones

This medicine may also interact with the following medications:

• certain medicines for high blood pressure like metoprolol and propranolol

• digoxin

• theophylline

• warfarin

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What should I watch for while using this medicine?

Visit your doctor or health care professional for regular checks on your progress. Your thyroid hormone levels will need to be checked.

This medicine can reduce your resistance to infection. Contact your doctor or health care professional if you have any infection or injury. Avoid people who have colds, flu, bronchitis or other infectious disease. Do not have any vaccinations without asking your doctor or health care professional. Avoid people who have recently received oral polio vaccine.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

• black, tarry stools

• fever, sore throat, hoarseness

• numbness or tingling in the hands or feet

• severe redness or itching of the skin, or dry cracked skin

• stomach pain

• swelling of the feet or legs

• unusual bleeding or bruising, pinpoint red spots on the skin

• unusual or sudden weight increase

• unusually weak or tired

• yellowing of skin or eyes

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

• headache

• nausea, vomiting

• mild skin rash, itching

• muscle aches and pains

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Where should I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children.

Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.