Thiamazole 5mg tablets
Requires a prescription from a doctor or prescriber
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Suspected adverse reactions reported for Thiamazole
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1 branded products available
Therapeutically similar medicines
Similarity is based on WHO Anatomical Therapeutic Chemical (ATC) classification and on a factual NHS dm+d therapeutic-grouping code prefix. Source data: NHS dm+d via TRUD (OGL v3.0), WHO ATC/DDD Index.
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SNOMED CT and dm+d codes from NHS TRUD (Technology Reference data Update Distribution), licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. ATC codes from the WHO Collaborating Centre for Drug Statistics Methodology (whocc.no).
Active and completed clinical studies from ClinicalTrials.gov
Source: ClinicalTrials.gov, a database of the U.S. National Library of Medicine (NLM), National Institutes of Health (NIH). Data accessed via ClinicalTrials.gov API v2. Trial information is provided for research purposes and does not constitute medical advice.
Academic studies and reviews for this medicine's active substance
Showing the 50 most relevant studies.
Reviews & meta-analyses: 2 · 2023–2026
Showing the 50 most relevant studies, sorted by most relevant.
Matsui D, Mugikura S, Goshima T, et al.
2025
Thyrotoxic periodic paralysis (TPP) is a potentially life-threatening complication of hyperthyroidism. It is characterized by hypokalemia-induced muscle weakness that typically begins in the proximal lower limbs and may progress to paralysis of all four extremities and involvement of the respiratory muscles. We present a case of a 37-year-old man with a history of TPP, presenting with acute muscle weakness and hypokalemia. The patient reported acute-onset bilateral lower extremity weakness from the previous day. Physical examination revealed normal deep tendon reflexes, but marked muscle weakness was observed in both lower limbs. Laboratory workup revealed severe hypokalemia at 2.1 mEq/L and thyrotoxicosis, while the electrocardiogram showed a prolonged QTc interval. The patient received thiamazole, potassium iodide, and propranolol for thyrotoxicosis and a total dose of 122 mEq of potassium repletion. His potassium level rose from 1.7 mEq/L to 5.6 mEq/L within six hours post-repletion cessation, highlighting the risk of rebound hyperkalemia and the importance of close monitoring. This case underscores the danger of rebound hyperkalemia after aggressive potassium repletion in TPP and supports a cautious, stepwise correction strategy.
Abstract licence: CC BY
Hsieh YS
2023
Graves' disease (GD) may increase the difficulty of glucose control in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Therefore, selecting a drug with limited blood glucose side effects is an important issue in patients with T2DM and GD. Antithyroid drugs (ATDs) including propylthiouracil (PTU), methimazole, and carbimazole are commonly prescribed for the treatment of GD. Here, we review and summarize the literature from the last 10 years and discuss the effects of current ATDs used for GD for blood glucose control in patients with T2DM. A search of the literature published between January 1, 2012 and December 1, 2022 was conducted using three major medical databases: Google Scholar, Ovid Medline, and Scopus. An initial search was conducted on PubMed using the MeSH terms "propylthiouracil," "methimazole," "carbimazole," and "hyperglycemia" or "hypoglycemia" in academic databases. All articles included "Graves' disease" and "type 2 diabetes mellitus" in the title. Based on the results of previous studies, the hyperglycemic and hypoglycemic side effects of ATDs can be explained by several possible mechanisms. The most widely accepted hypothesis is that sulfhydryl group drugs (e.g., methimazole and carbimazole) cleave the disulfide bond of insulin and enhance its immunogenicity, resulting in hypoglycemia. Moreover, some reports have indicated that methimazole is associated with hypoglycemia; therefore, if the patient has a history of autoimmune diseases, it is necessary to consider whether to change drugs or actively track the production of autoimmune antibodies. In non-diabetic and diabetic patients with GD, the hyperglycemic and hypoglycemic side effects of PTU (on glycemic variation) were less than that of thiamazole. However, as relatively few reports have investigated the side effects of blood sugar changes, further research is necessary to confirm these effects. In addition to autoimmune diseases, drug side effects may need to be considered. These findings provide considerations for clinicians to select more appropriate ATDs for patients with GD and T2DM, and implement improved care guidelines.
Abstract licence: CC BY
Yuki Kinoshita, Kazuhiro Kajiyama, Chieko Ishiguro, et al.
Clinical Pharmacology & Therapeutics, 2023
- Agranulocytosis
- Hyperthyroidism
- Japan
Dan Liu, Jiahui Ji, Xinran Guo, et al.
Micromachines, 2023
Nishihara E, Fukata S, Miyauchi A, et al.
2023
Nonautoimmune hyperthyroidism (NAH), caused by constitutively active mutants of the thyrotropin receptor (TSHR) gene, is recommended to be treated with total thyroidectomy followed by radioiodine administration. Herein, we present a 39-year-old woman with sporadic NAH caused by a TSHR-L512Q mutation. At the age of 20 years, she presented with a large goiter of 370 mL, treated with thiamazole, and opted for radioiodine therapy as outpatient management. Over the next 17 years, she underwent 6 treatments of 13 mCi radioiodine each. She did not experience a relapse of hyperthyroidism, and thiamazole was reduced and later withdrawn during the final radioiodine treatment. The patient's goiter significantly reduced to 18 mL, and thyroid function tests showed that free thyroxine and free triiodothyronine levels were below the lower limit of the reference ranges, while TSH remained within the reference range for 20 months. Along with an almost normal TSH response to thyrotropin-releasing hormone stimulation, no pituitary atrophy was observed on magnetic resonance imaging. Contrary to the recommended treatment, this case showed that fractionated radioiodine therapy alone is effective in controlling thyroid function and in reducing goiter size. Low TSH levels during treatment should not be assessed as subclinical hyperthyroidism or as risk of relapse.
Abstract licence: CC BY
Dietlein M, Schmidt M, Drzezga A, et al.
2025
Graves' disease and hyperthyroidism in women with childbearing potential are a challenge in pre-conceptional counseling. The non-surgical alternatives are radioiodine therapy or antithyroid drugs. Here, we focus on the TSH receptor antibody (TRAb) level-without or after radioiodine therapy-and the probability of fetal or neonatal hyperthyroidism. This immunological effect should be weighed against the risk of congenital malformation taking propylthiouracil during pregnancy. For up to 2 years after radioiodine therapy for Graves' disease, TRAb levels may remain above the pre-therapeutic level. The time of conception after radioiodine therapy and a high TRAb level are associated with the likelihood of neonatal hyperthyroidism: 8.8% probability if conception occurred 6-12 months after radioiodine therapy, with a 5.5% probability for 12-18 months, and 3.6% probability for 18-24 months. The TRAb value above 10 U/L in the third trimester is the main risk factor for neonatal hyperthyroidism. If a woman does not wish to postpone her family planning, the pre-conceptional counseling has to describe the risk of propylthiouracil, thiamazole, or of an uncontrolled hyperthyroidism. According to some national cohort studies (Danish, Swedish, Korean), the risk for fetal malformations (ear, urinary tract) under propylthiouracil is increased by 1.1-1.6%, in addition to the spontaneous risk for unexposed pregnant women. For thiamazole, the additional risk for fetal malformation was about 2-3%, depending on the dose of thiamazole. Propylthiouracil has posed a lower risk for congenital malformation than an uncontrolled hyperthyroidism. To minimize the risk for the newborn, women with Graves' disease and hyperthyroidism should offer a definitive therapy strategy (e.g., radioiodine therapy) long before planning a pregnancy.
Abstract licence: CC BY
Fedorczak A, Kruk B, Mazurek-Kula A, et al.
2025
Background: Resistance to thyroid hormones (RTH) is a rare, genetically determined disease characterised by reduced tissue sensitivity to thyroid hormones (THs). It is caused by mutations in genes encoding the receptors for thyroid hormones, α (THRα) or β (THRβ), the distribution of which varies between tissues. Therefore, patients present with elevated TH levels with unsuppressed TSH levels, and symptoms of both hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism may be present. Methods: Hence, we report the case of a boy with a complex, cyanotic, congenital heart defect who was also diagnosed with TH resistance syndrome. Results: Because of the clinical features of hyperthyroidism in preparation for cardiac surgery, thiamazole was administered, resulting in the normalisation of TH effects on the α-receptor for HTs. Due to the effectiveness of the proposed treatment, it was further introduced before the further stages of cardiac surgeries. Conclusions: The management of RTH is a constant challenge for clinicians and must be individualised.
Abstract licence: CC BY
Yuki Minamoto, Kenta Amemiya, Yui Yamashita, et al.
JCEM Case Reports, 2025
Yoko Hatano, Yukinobu Nakagawa, Atsushi Tanemura, et al.
The Journal of Dermatology, 2023
- Erythema Nodosum
- Graves Disease
- Methimazole
Kaila Keyshia Mei, Holis Abdul Holik
Journal of Pharmaceutical And Sciences, 2023
Sources: aggregated from Europe PMC (EMBL-EBI), OpenAlex, Crossref, PubMed and other open scholarly databases. Retracted articles are excluded. Study information is provided for research purposes and does not constitute medical advice.
Pharmacology and chemical data from DrugBank
Key facts
Drug status
Approved
Major interactions
1 found
Half-life
0.17 hours
Mechanism
Methimazole's primary mechanism of action appears to be interference in an early…
Food interactions
None known
Human targets
1 target
Data: DrugBank · CC BY-NC 4.0
Pharmacokinetics at a glance
Absorption
0.25 to 4.0 hours
Half-life
10mg
Protein binding
[A184526][A184541][A184643]
Volume of distribution
20 L
[A184541]
…
Metabolism
[A184571][A184574]
…
Elimination
7%
Clearance
10mg
Pharmacokinetic data: DrugBank · CC BY-NC 4.0
On a weight basis, methimazole is 10 times more potent than the other major antithyroid thionamide used in North America, [propylthiouracil],[L8339] and is the active metabolite of the pro-drug [carbimazole], which is an antithyroid medication used in the United Kingdom and parts of the former British Commonwealth.[A184733] Traditionally, methimazole has been preferentially used over propylthiouracil due to the risk of fulminant hepatotoxicity carried by the latter,[A184757] with propylthiouracil being preferred in pregnancy due to a perceived lower risk of teratogenic effects. Despite documented teratogenic effects in its published labels,[L8336][L8339] the true teratogenicity of methimazole appears to be unclear[A184643][A184757][A184763] and its place in therapy may change in the future.
[L8336]
In Canada, methimazole carries the above indications and is also indicated for the medical treatment of hyperthyroidism regardless of other available treatment options.
[L8339]
Known interactions with other medicines. Always consult a healthcare professional.
Showing 50 of 1982 interactions
[L8333]
Signs and symptoms of methimazole overdose may include gastrointestinal distress, headache, fever, joint pain, pruritus, and edema. More serious adverse effects, such as aplastic anemia or agranulocytosis, may manifest within hours to days.
[L8336][L8339]
Hepatitis, nephrotic syndrome, exfoliative dermatitis, and CNS effects such as neuropathy or CNS depression/stimulation are also potential, albeit less frequent, results of overdose.
[L8336][L8339]
Management of overdose involves supportive treatment as dictated by the patient's status.
[L8336][L8339]
This may involve monitoring of the patient's vital signs, blood gases, serum electrolytes, or bone marrow function as indicated.
[L8339]
Methimazole may directly inhibit TPO, but has been shown in vivo to instead act as a competitive substrate for TPO, thus becoming iodinated itself and interfering with the iodination of thyroglobulin.[A184559] Another proposed theory is that methimazole’s sulfur moiety may interact directly with the iron atom at the centre of TPO’s heme molecule, thus inhibiting its ability to iodinate tyrosine residues.[A184694] Other proposed mechanisms with weaker evidence include methimazole binding directly to thyroglobulin or direct inhibition of thyroglobulin itself.[A184559]
The most serious potential side effect of methimazole therapy is agranulocytosis, and patients should be instructed to monitor for, and report, any signs or symptoms of agranulocytosis such as fever or sore throat. Other cytopenias may also occur during methimazole therapy. There also exists the potential for severe hepatic toxicity with the use of methimazole, and monitoring for signs and symptoms of hepatic dysfunction, such as jaundice, anorexia, pruritus, and elevation in liver transaminases, is prudent in patients using this therapy.[L8336][L8339]
How the body processes this drug — absorption, distribution, metabolism, and elimination
[A184514][A184499]
Cmax is slightly, but not significantly, higher in hyperthyroid patients, and both Cmax and AUC are significantly affected by the oral dose administered.
[A184514]
[A184499]
Methimazole's primary active metabolite, 3-methyl-2-thiohydantoin, has a half-life approximately 3 times longer than its parent drug.
[A184541]
Renal impairment does not appear to alter the half-life of methimazole, but patients with hepatic impairment showed an increase in half-life roughly proportional to the severity of their impairment - moderate insufficiency resulted in a elimination t1/2 of 7.1 hours, while severe insufficiency resulted in an elimination t1/2 of 22.1 hours.
[A184499]
There does not appear to be any significant differences in half-life based on thyroid status (i.e. no difference between euthyroid and hyperthyroid patients).
[A184499][A184502][A184514]
[A184526][A184541][A184643]
[A184541]
Following oral administration, methimazole is highly concentrated in the thyroid gland - intrathyroidal methimazole levels are approximately 2 to 5 times higher than peak plasma levels, and remain high for 20 hours after ingestion.
[A184559]
[A184571][A184574]
Several metabolites have been identified, though the specific enzyme isoforms responsible for their formation are not entirely clear. One of the first methimazole metabolites identified, 3-methyl-2-thiohydantoin, may contribute to antithyroid activity - its antithyroid activity has been demonstrated in rats and may explain the prolonged duration of iodination inhibition following administration despite methimazole's relatively short half-life.
[A184541]
A number of metabolites have been investigated as being the culprits behind methimazole-induced hepatotoxicity. Both glyoxal and N-methylthiourea have established cytotoxicity and are known metabolic products of methimazole's dihydrodiol intermediate.
Sulfenic and sulfinic acid derivatives of methimazole are thought to be the ultimate toxicants responsible for hepatotoxicity, though their origin is unclear - they may arise from direct oxidation of methimazole via FMO, or from oxidation of N-methylthiourea further downstream in the metabolic process.
[A184571][A184574]
[A184514]
Enterohepatic circulation also appears to play a role in the elimination of methimazole and its metabolites, as significant amounts of these substances are found in the bile post-administration.
[A184643]
[A184499]
Renal impairment does not appear to alter clearance of methimazole, but patients with hepatic impairment showed a reduction in clearance roughly proportional to the severity of their impairment - moderate insufficiency resulted in a clearance of 3.49 L/h, while severe insufficiency resulted in a clearance of 0.83 L/h.
[A184499]
There does not appear to be any significant differences in clearance based on thyroid status (i.e. no difference between euthyroid and hyperthyroid patients).
[A184499][A184502][A184514]
Proteins and enzymes this drug interacts with in the body
Enzymes involved in drug metabolism — important for understanding drug interactions
ATC H03BB52
ATC H03BB02
Chemical identifiers
CAS, UNII, InChI Key and database cross-references
Show
Chemical identifiers
CAS, UNII, InChI Key and database cross-references
Linked compound data from DrugBank Open Data (CC BY-NC 4.0)
Methimazole
Matched from: Thiamazole
Additional database identifiers
Drugs Product Database (DPD)
14593
Drugs Product Database (DPD)
9107
ChemSpider
1131173
BindingDB
50241361
PDB
MMZ
ZINC
ZINC000001187543
HUGO Gene Nomenclature Committee (HGNC)
HGNC:12015
GenAtlas
TPO
GeneCards
TPO
GenBank Gene Database
J02969
GenBank Protein Database
339867
Guide to Pharmacology
2526
UniProt Accession
PERT_HUMAN
HUGO Gene Nomenclature Committee (HGNC)
HGNC:2596
GenAtlas
CYP1A2
GeneCards
CYP1A2
GenBank Gene Database
Z00036
Guide to Pharmacology
1319
UniProt Accession
CP1A2_HUMAN
HUGO Gene Nomenclature Committee (HGNC)
HGNC:2610
GenAtlas
CYP2A6
GeneCards
CYP2A6
GenBank Gene Database
X13897
Guide to Pharmacology
1321
UniProt Accession
CP2A6_HUMAN
HUGO Gene Nomenclature Committee (HGNC)
HGNC:2615
GeneCards
CYP2B6
GenBank Gene Database
M29874
GenBank Protein Database
181296
Guide to Pharmacology
1324
UniProt Accession
CP2B6_HUMAN
HUGO Gene Nomenclature Committee (HGNC)
HGNC:2621
GeneCards
CYP2C19
GenBank Gene Database
M61854
GenBank Protein Database
181344
Guide to Pharmacology
1328
UniProt Accession
CP2CJ_HUMAN
HUGO Gene Nomenclature Committee (HGNC)
HGNC:2623
GenAtlas
CYP2C9
GeneCards
CYP2C9
GenBank Gene Database
AY341248
Guide to Pharmacology
1326
UniProt Accession
CP2C9_HUMAN
HUGO Gene Nomenclature Committee (HGNC)
HGNC:2625
GenAtlas
CYP2D6
GeneCards
CYP2D6
GenBank Gene Database
M20403
GenBank Protein Database
181350
Guide to Pharmacology
1329
UniProt Accession
CP2D6_HUMAN
HUGO Gene Nomenclature Committee (HGNC)
HGNC:2631
GeneCards
CYP2E1
GenBank Gene Database
J02625
GenBank Protein Database
181360
Guide to Pharmacology
1330
UniProt Accession
CP2E1_HUMAN
HUGO Gene Nomenclature Committee (HGNC)
HGNC:2637
GenAtlas
CYP3A4
GeneCards
CYP3A4
GenBank Gene Database
M18907
Guide to Pharmacology
1337
UniProt Accession
CP3A4_HUMAN
HUGO Gene Nomenclature Committee (HGNC)
HGNC:3771
GeneCards
FMO3
GenBank Gene Database
M83772
GenBank Protein Database
188631
UniProt Accession
FMO3_HUMAN
DrugBank citations
If you use DrugBank data in your research, please cite:
- DrugBank 6.02024Recommended citationKnox C., Wilson M., Klinger C.M., et alDrugBank 6.0: the DrugBank Knowledgebase for 2024Nucleic Acids Res. 2024 Jan 552(D1):D1265-D1275
- DrugBank 5.02018Wishart D.S., Feunang Y.D., Guo A.C., et alDrugBank 5.0: a major update to the DrugBank database for 2018Nucleic Acids Res. 2017 Nov 846(D1):D1074-D1082
- DrugBank 4.02014Law V., Knox C., Djoumbou Y., et alDrugBank 4.0: shedding new light on drug metabolismNucleic Acids Res. 2014 Jan 142(1):D1091-7
- DrugBank 3.02011Knox C., Law V., Jewison T., et alDrugBank 3.0: a comprehensive resource for 'omics' research on drugsNucleic Acids Res. 2011 Jan39(Database issue):D1035-41
- DrugBank 2.02008Wishart D.S., Knox C., Guo A.C., et alDrugBank: a knowledgebase for drugs, drug actions and drug targets.Nucleic Acids Research2008 Jan36(Database issue):D901-6
- DrugBank 1.02006Wishart D.S., Knox C., Guo A.C., et alDrugBank: a comprehensive resource for in silico drug discovery and exploration.Nucleic Acids Research2006 Jan 134(Database issue):D668-72