|  | Conditions Treatments | Thyroid Disease

Use of Tapazole

Tapazole is a prescription medicine used for the treatment of hyperthyroidism, a medical condition characterized by an overactive thyroid gland. It is also commonly used to prepare individuals for radioactive iodine therapy or thyroid surgery. The medication functions by preventing the thyroid gland from producing excessive amounts of the hormone.

  1. Main Use

    • Tapazole treats hyperthyroidism, which is a medical condition characterized by an overactive gland making too much thyroxine, which is a hormone responsible for the regulation of the metabolism. A gland is considered to be "overactive" when it produces excessive amounts of the thyroid hormone. This situation can lead to symptoms, such as the speeding up the metabolism, sudden and rapid weight loss, anxiety, excessive sweating, and irregular or fast heartbeat. Tapazole operates as an antithyroid agent and works by limiting the production of thyroxine, as to prevent the aforementioned symptoms from occurring. In essence, tapazole prevents the production of thyroxine.

    Caution

    • Tapazole is not appropriate or safe for everybody. You need to speak with your doctor about whether this medication is suitable for your needs, especially if you have any allergies; are currently pregnant, planning on becoming pregnant or nursing; have any liver or bone marrow issues; have a skin condition called exfoliative dermatitis; and are taking any medications or nutritional supplements. You might need dosage changes or specialized tests to use this medication safely. You also might, for your safety, be advised against using Tapazole at all.

    Drug Interactions

    • It is possible that Tapazola could interact with other medications or nutritional supplements. Drug interactions can lead to reduced effectiveness of any of the medicines or supplements. They can also bring upon undesirable side effects. When taking tapazole, it might be necessary for individuals to take a reduced dose of beta-blocker medication. Tapazole could increase the effects of anticoagulants. Smaller doses of theophylline or digitalis glycosides might be necessary. Speak to your doctor if you are taking any of these medicines alongside tapazole, as you might need to have specific dosage adjustments.

    Common Side Effects

    • Some common side effects of Tapazole include feeling lightheaded, muscle ache, taste changes, drowsiness, dizziness, upset stomach, throwing up, tingling and numbness sensations, joint pain, nausea and headache. These side effects tend to rapidly subside, but if you find them to be problematic or long-lasting, you need to notify your doctor about them.

    Serious Side Effects

    • Far less common are serious side effects, including tremors, abnormal bleeding or bruising, yellowing of the eyes or the skin (known as jaundice), appetite changes, darker colored urine, irregular or rapid heartbeat, passing out, abnormal weakness or exhaustion, abnormal loss of hair, lingering or extreme headache, chills, fever and persistent sore throat. If you experience any severe Tapazole effects, you need to get immediate medical help as soon as possible.

Thyroid Disease - Related Articles