Methimazole is a medication that treats hyperthyroidism, or high thyroid levels in your body. It decreases the amount of thyroid hormone your body makes. Brand names of this medication are Northyx® and Tapazole®.
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METHIMAZOLE (meth IM a zole) treats high thyroid levels (hyperthyroidism) in your body. It works by decreasing the amount of thyroid hormone your body makes.
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Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. Policy
This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.
COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Northyx, Tapazole
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
Take this medication by mouth with a glass of water. Follow the directions on the prescription label. You can take this medication 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 medication more often than directed. Do not stop taking this medication except on the advice of your care team.
Talk to your care team about the use of this medication in children. Special care may be needed. While this medication 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.
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.
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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.
Visit your care team for regular checks on your progress. Tell your care team if your symptoms do not start to get better or if they get worse. It may be some time before you see the benefit from this medication.
You may need blood work done while you are taking this medication.
Biotin (vitamin B7) may interfere with your thyroid function test. Stop taking supplements that contain biotin 2 days before your blood work.
This medication may increase your risk of getting an infection. Call your care team for advice if you get a fever, chills, sore throat, or other symptoms of a cold or flu. Do not treat yourself. Try to avoid being around people who are sick.
Talk to your care team if you may be pregnant. Serious birth defects can occur if you take this medication during pregnancy.
If you are going to need surgery or a procedure, tell your care team that you are taking this medication.
Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):
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.
Keep out of the reach of children.
Store at room temperature between 20 and 25 degrees C (68 and 77 degrees F). Keep tightly closed. Protect from light. Throw away any unused medication after the expiration date.
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NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.
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Note: Introduction and Additional Common Questions written and medically approved by Cleveland Clinic professionals.