Thiamazole, also known as methimazole, is a medication used to treat hyperthyroidism. This includes Graves disease, toxic multinodular goiter, and thyrotoxic crisis. It is taken by mouth. Full effects may take a few weeks to occur.Common side effects include itchiness, hair loss, nausea, muscle pain, swelling, and abdominal pain. Severe side effects may include low blood cell counts, liver failure, and vasculitis. Use is not recommended during the first trimester of pregnancy due to the risk of congenital anomalies, but it may be used in the second trimester or third trimester. It may be used during breastfeeding. Those who developed significant side effects may also have problems with propylthiouracil. Thiamazole is a thioamide and works by decreasing the production of thyroid hormones.Thiamazole was approved for medical use in the United States in 1950. It is on the World Health Organizations List of Essential Medicines. It is available as a generic medication. It is also available in Europe and Asia. In 2019, it was the 194th most commonly prescribed medication in the United States, with more than 2 million prescriptions. Medical uses
Thiamazole is a drug used to treat hyperthyroidism such as in Graves disease, a condition that occurs when the thyroid gland begins to produce an excess of thyroid hormone. The drug may also be taken before thyroid surgery to lower thyroid hormone levels and minimize the effects of thyroid manipulation. Additionally, thiamazole is used in the veterinary setting to treat hyperthyroidism in cats.
A study has shown that it modulates secretion of CXCL10. Chemical properties
The imidazole derivative thiamazole is a white to matte brown crystalline powder with a characteristic odour. The boiling point is 280 °C (decomposition). Thiamazole is soluble in water, ethanol and chloroform, but hardly soluble in ether. Galenic preparations are injectable solutions and tablets. Thiamazole acts as a free radical scavenger for radicals such as the hydroxyl radical (•OH) radical. It is used as free radical scavenger in organic chemistry. Veterinary uses
Thiamazole is also indicated in cats to treat hyperthyroidism. References
External links
"Methimazole". Drug Information Portal. U.S. National Library of Medicine.