Methimazole Uses

Methimazole is used to treat hyperthyroidism (where the thyroid gland is overactive and produces too much thyroid hormone). This medicine is also used to improve hyperthyroidism and prepare patients scheduled for thyroid surgery or radioactive iodine therapy.

There may be other uses of methimazole—your pharmacist or doctor can give you further drug information.

Methimazole Mechanism of Action

Methimazole is an antithyroid drug. It interferes with the synthesis of thyroid hormones

Methimazole Doses

Methimazole comes as 5 mg and 10 mg tablets. The usual starting dose in adults is 15 mg daily for mild hyperthyroidism, 30-40 mg daily for moderate disease, and 60 mg daily for severe hyperthyroidism. The medicine is taken in three divided doses at regular intervals (approximately 8 hours apart). The initial dose of methimazole in children depends on the child’s body weight and will be determined by the healthcare provider. 

Your doctor will check thyroid function tests regularly and adjust subsequent doses of methimazole to arrive at a maintenance dose that helps maintain normal thyroid hormone levels.