Mercazole tablets 5 mg for hyperthyroidism

General information on Japanese Mercazole tablets 5 mg from Japan for hyperthyroidism

Package details: 100 tablets

Manufacturer: ASKA Pharmaceutical Co.,Ltd, Japan

Active ingredient: thiamazole (also known as methimazole, chemical formula C4H6N2S)

Medical effect: Mercazole tablets are effective for lower thyroid function level in patients with hyperthyroidism, including Graves disease, toxic multinodular goiter, and thyrotoxic crisis.

Contraindications and precautions: do not use in patients with hepatic disorder, leukopenia, or other blood disease. Do not use in breastfeeding women. In case of having fever, sore throat or general lassitude, the consulting doctor should immediately check the patient’s condition in order to exclude the possibility of agranulocytosis.

Dosage and administration of Japanese tablets Mercazole for hyperthyroidism  

1. For adults: take 2 tablets 3 times a day. After improving hyperthyroid symptoms, the consulting doctor should gradually lower the dosage every 1-4 weeks up to the maintenance dosage of 1-2 tablets 1 or 2 times a day.
2. For adults with severe hyperthyroidism: take 8-12 tablets in 3-4 divided dose a day. After improving hyperthyroid symptoms, the consulting doctor should gradually lower the dosage every 1-4 weeks up to the maintenance dosage of 1-2 tablets 1 or 2 times a day.
3. For children from 5 to 10 years old: take 2-4 tablets in 2-4 divided doses a day. After improving hyperthyroid symptoms, the consulting doctor should gradually lower the dosage every 1-4 weeks up to the maintenance dosage of 1-2 tablets 1 or 2 times a day.
4. For children from 10 to 15 years old: take 4-6 tablets in 2-4 divided dose a day. After improving hyperthyroid symptoms, the consulting doctor should gradually lower the dosage every 1-4 weeks up to the maintenance dosage of 1-2 tablets 1 or 2 times a day.
5. For pregnant women: take 3-6 tablets in 3-4 divided doses a day. After improving hyperthyroid symptoms, the consulting doctor should gradually lower the dosage every 1-4 weeks up to the maintenance dosage of 1-2 tablets 1 or 2 times a day. Since the thyroid function level should not get lower than that during normal pregnancy, the patient should undergo the test every 2 week and take the least amount of the medicine possible.

In any case, the treatment should be performed under the supervision of the consulting doctor. According to age and symptoms, doctor may adjust the dosage.

How effective are Mercazole tablets 5 mg from Japan for hyperthyroidism?

Mercazole tablets are effective for the treatment of hyperthyroidism, including Graves disease, toxic multinodular goiter, and thyrotoxic crisis. The tablets work on thyroid gland to block the activity of thyroperoxidase enzyme which is necessary for thyroid hormone synthesis. Consequently, the medicine suppresses excess secretion of thyroid hormone but does not inhibit the action of the sodium-dependent iodide transporter located on follicular cells' basolateral membranes.

Who should use Mercazole tablets 5 mg from Japan?

Japanese tablets Mercazole 5 mg can be used for adults and children from 5 years old, including pregnant women. Due to the longer half-life of thiamazole and a relatively small number of side effects, Mercazole tablets are recommended for use as the primary treatment for hyperthyroidism or as a preparation before radioiodine therapy or thyroidectomy (A. Fumarola, A. Di Fiore et al. Medical treatment of hyperthyroidism: state of the art. Experimental and Clinical Endocrinology & Diabetes., 2010 Nov, 118 (10): 678–84).