Carbimazole is an antithyroid agent which depresses the formation of thyroid hormones. Its main action is the reduction of formation of iodotyrosines by inhibition on the iodination of thyroglobulin and reduction of the synthesis of tri-iodothyronine and thyroxine by inhibition of the coupling reaction between iodotyrosines. The release of any preformed thyroid hormones is not affected. Carbimazole does not reduce the uptake of iodide by the thyroid gland. It is considered that the clinical antithyroid activity of Carbimazole is attributable to its major metabolite Methimazole. Both Carbimazole and Methimazole possess some immunosuppressant activity.
Carbimazole is indicated in all conditions where reduction of thyroid function is required such as: Hyperthyroidism.
Preparation for thyroidectomy in hyperthyroidism.
Preparation for and a concomitant therapy with radio-iodine treatment.
Adults: The initial dose is in the range of 15-40 mg daily in divided doses, at 8-hourly intervals according to the severity of the disorder.
Improvement is usually seen in 1 to 3 weeks and control of symptoms is achieved in 1 to 3 months.
The dose is then gradually reduced to the smallest amount that will control the disease.
Usual maintenance doses are 5 to 15 mg daily.
Children: The usual initial dose for children is 0.75 mg per kg body-weight daily in three divided doses.
If blood disorders, such as agranulocytosis or bone-marrow depression occur Carbimazole should be immediately withdrawn and, if necessary, antibiotics and blood transfusions may be given.
Carbimazole is contra-indicated in breast-feeding mothers and in patients with a previous history of adverse reactions to Carbimazole.
Patients should be warned to report the development of mouth ulcers or sore throat, fever or skin rashes that occur during therapy with Carbimazole since these may be indicative or abnormalities in the blood. In such cases drug treatment should be stopped and medical advice to be sought. Early withdrawal of the drug will increase the chance of complete recovery.
Use in Pregnancy: Carbimazole can be given in pregnancy, although it crosses the placenta and in high doses may cause fetal goiter and hyperthyroidism. Dose reduction should generally be quicker in pregnant than in non-pregnant patients (bearing in mind clinical state), and in most pregnant women it is possible to discontinue antithyroid drugs well before parturition.
Pregnancy: Carbimazole can be given in pregnancy, although it crosses the placenta and in high doses may cause fetal goiter and hyperthyroidism. Dose reduction should generally be quicker in pregnant than in non-pregnant patients (bearing in mind clinical state), and in most pregnant women it is possible to discontinue antithyroid drugs well before parturition.
Side-effects due to Carbimazole occur most commonly during the first 2 months of treatment. They include nausea, vomiting, gastric distress, headache, arthralgia, skin rashes and pruritus. Bone-marrow depression has been reported and can lead to agranulocytosis. Patients should always be instructed to recognise symptoms which may suggest bone-marrow depression, to stop the drug and to seek immediate medical advice.
Antithyroid drugs and/or medication with Thyroxine distort some measurements of thyroid function. Assessment of free hormone levels and TSH are therefore helpful.
Carbimazole tablets should be stored below 25°C, protected from light and moisture.
H03BB01 - carbimazole ; Belongs to the class of sulfur-containing imidazole derivative agents. Used in the management of thyroid diseases.
Carbimazole Remedica film-coated tab 5 mg
100 × 10's
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