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Carbimazole

  • Important: If you develop an infection, a sore throat, mouth ulcers, a high temperature, unusual bruising or bleeding, or a general feeling of being unwell contact your doctor immediately
  • Before having any kind of medical treatment, including dental or emergency treatment, tell the doctor, surgeon, dentist, or other medical professional, that you are taking carbimazole
  • You must keep your regular appointments with your doctor so that your condition can be monitored and any dose adjustments to carbimazole can be made

About carbimazole

Type of medicine Antithyroid
Used for To reduce the amount of thyroid hormones produced by the thyroid gland in hyperthyroidism
Also called Neo-Mercazole
Available as Tablets

An overactive thyroid gland produces too much thyroid hormone which causes a condition known as hyperthyroidism. This can lead to symptoms such as fast or irregular heartbeat, sweating, mood swings, shaking, weight change, weakness, tiredness, intolerance of hot temperatures, worry or menstrual problems. Carbimazole works to reduce the amount of thyroid hormones produced therefore lowering blood levels of thyroid hormones.

Carbimazole may be used together with other treatments for hyperthyroidism. It is also used in the preparation of patients for thyroidectomy (part or total removal of the thyroid gland) and before radioiodine treatment.

Before taking carbimazole

Before taking carbimazole make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:

  • If you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding
  • If you suffer from liver problems
  • If you suffer from bone marrow depression

How to take carbimazole

  • Take your medication exactly as directed by your doctor
  • Try to take this medicine at the same time each day to avoid missing any doses
  • If you miss one dose take it as soon as you remember. If your next dose is due, you may take both doses together. This should only be done if you have missed one dose and this is a 'one-off' occasion. If you have missed more than one dose, or you are having problems remembering to take your tablets at the correct time, speak to your doctor or pharmacist for further advice on the best course of action.
  • In order to maintain control of the thyroid gland, you may need to take carbimazole tablets for several months. Your doctor will decide when treatment can be stopped.
  • You may have to have occasional blood tests to check how you are responding to treatment

Getting the most from your treatment

  • Before having any kind of medical treatment, including dental or emergency treatment, tell the doctor, surgeon, dentist, or other medical professional, that you are taking carbimazole
  • You must keep your regular appointments with your doctor so that your condition can be monitored and any dose adjustments to carbimazole can be made
  • Do not change the dose of carbimazole you are taking without consulting your doctor first

Can carbimazole cause problems?

Along with their useful effects all medicines can cause unwanted side effects, which usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following side effects continue or become troublesome.

Side-effects What can I do if I experience this
Nausea (feeling sick) Eat little and often. Stick to simple foods such as dry toast.
Headache Ask your pharmacist to recommend a suitable pain-killer. If headache continues speak with your doctor.
Skin rash Avoid scrubbing your skin. Use a soap substitute. Leave the affected area exposed to the air as much as possible.

Important: If you develop an infection, a sore throat, mouth ulcers, a high temperature, unusual bruising or bleeding, or a general feeling of being unwell contact your doctor immediately

Other side-effects include itching, tummy upset, painful joints, jaundice (yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes), muscle pain and hair loss. If you experience these or any other worrying symptoms, which you think may be due to this medicine, discuss them with your doctor or pharmacist.

How to store carbimazole

  • Keep all medicines out of the reach of children
  • Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light

Important information about all medicines


  • Keep all medicines out of the sight and reach of children.
  • Make sure that the person prescribing this medicine knows about any other medicines that you are taking. This includes medicines you buy and herbal and homeopathic medicines.
  • If you buy any medicines check with a pharmacist that they are safe to take with your other medicines.
  • Before taking this medicine tell your doctor if you have ever had an allergic reaction after taking any medicine.
  • Never take more than the prescribed dose. If you suspect that you or someone else has taken an overdose of this medicine go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital at once. Always take the container with you, if possible, even if it is empty.
  • If you are having any treatment like an operation or dental treatment tell the person carrying out the treatment which medicines you are taking.
  • Always read the printed information leaflet that comes with your medicine.
  • This medicine is for you. Never give it to other people even if their condition appears to be the same as yours.
  • Never keep out of date or unwanted medicines. Take them to your local pharmacy which will dispose of them for you.
  • If you have any questions about this medicine ask your pharmacist.
© EMIS 2007 DocID:
3575		 DocRef:
dils3034		 Last Updated:
2 Feb 2007		 Date of Next Review:
1 Feb 2009		 Version:
22








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PS - Health and Poverty

Perhaps the biggest cause of ill health in the world is poverty. Help to Make Poverty History. For example, why not lend some of your money to disadvantaged communities to enable them to trade their way out of poverty through schemes such as Shared Interest.

See also MAKEPOVERTYHISTORY North East for details and links to campaigns against poverty.

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