Thiamazole
About
Thiamazole belongs to a class of drugs called anti-thyroid agents primarily used to treat hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid gland). Besides this, Thiamazole also treats Grave’s disease (an autoimmune disease that causes overactive thyroid), thyroid storm (excessive release of thyroid hormones) and toxic multinodular goitre. Hyperthyroidism is a condition in which the thyroid gland produces excessive thyroxine hormone, thereby increasing the rate of metabolism and unexplained weight loss.
Thiamazole contains 'Thiamazole' that decreases the production of thyroid hormones by the thyroid gland. Thiamazole inhibits thyroid peroxidase (TPO), making it harder for our thyroid gland to produce thyroid hormone. Thus, Thiamazole is used before thyroid surgery or radioactive iodine treatment.
Take Thiamazole with food as prescribed by your doctor daily at the same time and swallow whole with a glass of water. Do not crush, chew or break it. Your doctor will advise you how often you take your tablets based on your medical condition. In some cases, you may experience vomiting, headache, nausea, skin rash, muscle or joint pain, changes in the colour of the skin, hair loss or paraesthesia (tingling or pricking sensation). Most of these side effects of Thiamazole do not require medical attention and gradually resolve over time. However, if the side effects persist, please consult your doctor.
If you are allergic to Thiamazole or any other medicines, please tell your doctor. Avoid taking Thiamazole if you are pregnant as it may harm an unborn baby. However, please consult a doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, before taking Thiamazole and if you are taking Thiamazole while breastfeeding, get your baby’s thyroid checked. If you have hypothyroidism (low thyroid levels), bleeding disorders, agranulocytosis (low white blood cells count) or liver disease, inform your doctor before taking Thiamazole.
Uses of Thiamazole
Medicinal Benefits
Thiamazole contains Thiamazole, an anti-thyroid agent primarily used for the treatment of hyperthyroidism. It decreases the production of thyroid hormones by the thyroid gland. Thus, balances the levels of thyroid hormones. Also, Thiamazole is used before radioactive iodine treatment or thyroid surgery.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Thiamazole
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Headache
- Skin rash
- Muscle or joint pain
- Changes in the colour of the skin
- Hair loss
- Paraesthesia (tingling or pricking sensation)
In-Depth Precautions and Warning
Drug Warnings
If you are known to be allergic to Thiamazole or any other medicines, please tell your doctor. Avoid taking Thiamazole if you are pregnant as it may harm an unborn baby. However, please consult a doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, before taking Thiamazole and if you are taking Thiamazole while breastfeeding, get your baby’s thyroid checked. If you notice light-colored stools, yellowing of eyes or skin, tiredness, stomach pain, dark urine, or loss of appetite, please consult a doctor immediately as these might be signs of liver problems. If you have hypothyroidism (low thyroid levels), bleeding disorders, agranulocytosis (low white blood cell count), or liver disease, inform your doctor before taking Thiamazole.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interaction: Thiamazole may have interaction with blood thinners (warfarin), antipsychotics (clozapine), bronchodilators (theophylline), heart-related drugs (digoxin), and medicines used to treat chest pain and high blood pressure (metoprolol).
Drug-Food Interaction: No interactions found.
Drug-Disease Interaction: If you have hypothyroidism (low thyroid levels), bleeding disorders, agranulocytosis (low white blood cell count), or liver disease, inform your doctor before taking Thiamazole.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
cautionThe interaction of Thiamazole with alcohol is unknown. Please consult a doctor before consuming alcohol while using Thiamazole.
Pregnancy
unsafeThiamazole is a Category D pregnancy drug and is not recommended for pregnant women as it may cause harm to the unborn baby.
Breast Feeding
cautionThiamazole is excreted in human milk. Therefore, please consult a doctor if you are breastfeeding. Thiamazole is given to breastfeeding mothers only if the doctor thinks benefits are greater than risks.
Driving
cautionThiamazole may decrease alertness in some people. So, drive only if you are alert after taking Thiamazole.
Liver
cautionThiamazole should be given with caution, especially if you have a history of Liver diseases/conditions. The dose may be adjusted by your doctor as required.
Kidney
cautionThiamazole should be given with caution, especially if you have a history of Kidney diseases/conditions. The dose may be adjusted by your doctor as required.
Children
cautionThiamazole should be used with caution in children if prescribed by a doctor.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Avoid caffeine-containing drinks and foods such as regular coffee, black tea, regular soda, energy drinks and black tea as they may worsen the symptoms of hyperthyroidism.
- Maintain a low iodine diet which includes egg whites, non-iodized salt, black coffee, tea, vegetable oils, honey, nut butter, unsalted nuts, sugar, jelly, jam, lemonade, fruits, moderate portions of chicken, beef, lamb and turkey.
- Eat vegetables such as cauliflower, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, mustard greens, radish, kale and turnip roots.
- Eat foods rich in selenium like shrimp, beef, chicken, turkey, rice, eggs, cottage cheese, spinach, baked beans and oatmeal as it helps to achieve normal thyroid levels more quickly.
- Avoid iodine-rich foods such as iodized salt, dairy products, iodine supplements, egg yolks, shellfish and fish. Also, avoid soy sauce, soy milk, tofu and soybean oil.
Special Advise
Blood tests are recommended while taking Thiamazole to monitor blood cell counts as Thiamazole may cause low blood cell counts.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Hyperthyroidism: It is a condition in which the thyroid gland produces excessive thyroxine hormone. It increases the body’s metabolism and causes unintentional weight loss. The most common cause of hyperthyroidism is Grave’s disease (an autoimmune disease) which occurs mostly in women. Other causes include excess iodine, inflammation of the thyroid gland, tumors of tests or ovaries, benign tumors of the pituitary gland or thyroid, or if large amounts of tetraiodothyronine are taken through dietary supplements. The symptoms include unexpected weight loss, irregular or rapid heartbeat, irritability, and sweating. Hyperthyroidism can be treated by medication, radioactive iodine, and sometimes surgery.
FAQs
Thiamazole contains Thiamazole, an anti-thyroid agent that works by decreasing the production of thyroid hormones by the thyroid gland. Thus, balances the levels of thyroid hormones.
Yes, Thiamazole may be used before thyroid surgery to provide relief from symptoms of hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid gland) such as anxiety, irregular or rapid heartbeat or sweating.
Thiamazole may cause low blood sugar levels in some patients. However, if you experience dizziness, hunger, confusion, shaking, fast heartbeat, drowsiness, weakness or headache, please consult a doctor as these might be signs of low blood sugar.
You are not recommended to take Thiamazole with warfarin (blood thinner) as it may increase the risk of bleeding more easily. However, please consult a doctor before taking Thiamazole with other medicines.
Thiamazole should be used with extreme caution in patients suffering from agranulocytosis (severe low white blood cells count) as it may worsen the condition. However, if you experience shortness of breath, fever, pale skin, sore throat or tiredness, please consult a doctor immediately.
If you have any liver problems, it is advised to inform your doctor before taking Thiamazole. Thiamazole may increase the risk of liver damage if there is any existing liver problem. Therefore, liver functions tests are recommended while taking Thiamazole to monitor liver functioning.