Neo-Mercazole (Carbimazole)
Complete patient guide for uses, dosage, side effects, and safety information
Prescription RequiredQuick Facts
What Is Neo-Mercazole Used For?
Neo-Mercazole contains carbimazole, which is specifically designed to treat hyperthyroidism – a condition where your thyroid gland produces too much thyroid hormone.
Primary Uses
Neo-Mercazole is used to treat hyperthyroidism or overactive thyroid gland, helping to control the excessive production of thyroid hormones.
How It Works
This medicine belongs to a group called anti-hyperthyroidism agents. It works by reducing the production of thyroid hormones in your body.
Good to know: This medicine is not addictive and is available only with a doctor’s prescription.
How to Take Neo-Mercazole
Take Neo-Mercazole exactly as your doctor has prescribed. Your dose may change over time based on your progress.
Dosage Instructions
Swallow the tablets whole with a glass of water – do not chew them. Take your medicine at about the same time each day for the best effect. Your doctor will tell you how many tablets to take each day, and this amount may be adjusted based on your progress.
What If You Miss a Dose?
If it’s almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose when scheduled. Otherwise, take it as soon as you remember and then return to your normal schedule. If you’re unsure what to do, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
Important: Never take a double dose to make up for a missed one. Continue taking your medicine for as long as your doctor tells you.
Available Tablet Strengths
Side Effects
Like all medications, this medicine can cause side effects. Most are mild and temporary, but some require medical attention.
Common Side Effects
These side effects occur relatively frequently and usually don’t require emergency care:
- nausea
- headache
- joint pain
- stomach upsets
- skin rashes
- itchiness
- loss of sense of taste
- hair loss
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:
- liver pain or yellowing of skin/eyes
- sore throat, mouth ulcers, high fever
- increased bruising or bleeding
- extreme tiredness
- abdominal pain
- rash on hands and feet
- facial swelling
- hoarseness
- difficulty breathing
- blood in urine
- fever, fatigue, weight loss, muscle pain (signs of vasculitis)
Important Warnings
There are several important conditions and situations where Neo-Mercazole should not be used or requires special caution.
Who Should Not Take Neo-Mercazole
Do not take this medicine if you’re allergic to carbimazole or any ingredients, have retrosternal goitre (thyroid growth into chest), serious blood disorders, severe liver disorder, airway obstruction, or have had acute pancreatitis after taking carbimazole or thiamazole.
Medical Conditions to Discuss
Tell your doctor if you have mild or moderate liver disorder, or have had allergic reactions to thiamazole or propylthiouracil (other thyroid medicines). Also inform them of any allergies to medicines, foods, preservatives, or dyes.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Neo-Mercazole crosses the placenta and passes into breast milk. It has caused or may cause increased fetal malformations or irreversible damage. If you could become pregnant, use reliable contraception during treatment. Tell your doctor immediately if you become pregnant while taking this medicine.
Pregnancy Warning: This medicine can cause harm to an unborn baby and may cause birth defects.
Drug Interactions
Several medicines can interact with Neo-Mercazole, affecting how well it works or increasing side effects.
Important: You may need different amounts of your medicines or different medicines altogether when taking Neo-Mercazole.
- iodine or preparations containing iodine
- theophylline (for asthma or breathing problems)
- anticoagulants like warfarin (blood thinners)
- prednisolone (for allergic disorders, skin conditions, arthritis)
- erythromycin (antibiotic for bacterial infections)
- digitalis (for heart conditions)
- beta-blockers (for heart conditions and high blood pressure)
Alcohol & Driving
The source material does not provide specific information about alcohol consumption or driving while taking Neo-Mercazole.
Storage
Keep tablets in the original bottle until it’s time to take them, as they may not keep well if removed. Store in a cool, dry place below 25°C. Don’t store in bathrooms, near sinks, in cars, or on window sills as heat and dampness can destroy the medicine. Keep out of reach of children – a locked cupboard at least 1.5 meters above ground is ideal.
Overdose Information
If you think you or anyone else has taken too much Neo-Mercazole, immediately call your doctor, the Poisons Information Centre (13 11 26), or go to the nearest hospital emergency department. Do this even if there are no obvious symptoms. Overdose symptoms may include skin rash, fever, and extreme tiredness, but urgent medical attention may be needed regardless of symptoms.
Frequently Asked Questions
No, Neo-Mercazole is not addictive. This is specifically mentioned in the medication information.
Swallow the tablets whole with a glass of water. Do not chew the tablets. Take them at about the same time each day for the best effect.
If it’s almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose when scheduled. Otherwise, take it as soon as you remember and return to your normal schedule. Never take a double dose.
Neo-Mercazole can cause harm to an unborn baby and may cause birth defects. If you could become pregnant, use reliable contraception during treatment. Tell your doctor immediately if you become pregnant while taking this medicine.
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience liver pain, yellowing of skin or eyes, sore throat, mouth ulcers, high fever, increased bruising or bleeding, or extreme tiredness. These may require urgent medical treatment.
Continue taking your medicine for as long as your doctor tells you. Your dose may change from time to time according to your progress, so keep all appointments with your doctor.
No, do not stop taking your medicine or change the dosage without checking with your doctor first. Your doctor needs to monitor your progress and may need to adjust your treatment.
Important Disclaimer
This information is intended for general educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider or pharmacist before starting, stopping, or changing any medication.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or emergency services immediately.