Neo Mercazole 20 Mg

NEO MERCAZOLE 20 MG

Name

• Brand Name: NEO MERCAZOLE
• Common Name: Carbimazole

Composition

• Active Ingredient: Carbimazole 20 mg
• Excipients (for 5mg tablets, generally applicable to Neo Mercazole): Lactose monohydrate, maize starch, sucrose, magnesium stearate, purified talc, acacia, iron oxide red, and gelatin. (Patients with lactose or sucrose intolerance should avoid this product).

Uses

NEO MERCAZOLE 20 MG is an anti-thyroid agent primarily used to manage hyperthyroidism, a condition where the thyroid gland produces excessive thyroid hormones. It helps to reduce the amount of thyroid hormones in the body, alleviating symptoms like rapid heartbeat, weight loss, nervousness, anxiety, excessive sweating, shakiness, and intolerance to heat.

It is also prescribed for:

• Controlling an overactive thyroid gland.
• Treating Graves' disease.
• Preparing patients for thyroidectomy (surgical removal of the thyroid gland).
• Use before and after radioactive iodine treatment.
• Managing thyrotoxicosis and normalising thyroid hormone levels.

Dosage and Administration

NEO MERCAZOLE 20 MG tablets are for oral administration. The dosage is determined by a healthcare professional based on the severity of the condition and individual response, and it may be adjusted during treatment.

• Adults:
  • Initial dosages: Typically 15 mg to 20 mg per day for mild cases, 30 mg per day for moderate cases, and 40 mg to 45 mg per day (up to 60 mg/day) for severe cases, usually in divided doses.
  • Maintenance dosage: Once symptoms are controlled and the patient is euthyroid (normal thyroid function), the dosage is usually reduced to between 10 mg and 15 mg daily.
• Administration: Swallow the tablet whole with a glass of water. Do not crush, chew, or break it. It can be taken with or without food. For optimal results, take it at the same time each day to maintain consistent blood levels.

Side Effects

While NEO MERCAZOLE 20 MG helps most people, it can cause unwanted side effects.

• Common Side Effects: Nausea, headache, joint pain (arthralgia), stomach upsets/gastrointestinal disturbances, skin rashes, itchiness, fatigue, weight loss, muscle pain, and mild leucopaenia.
• Serious Side Effects (Seek medical attention immediately if you experience):
  • Fever, sore throat, mouth ulcers, or general malaise, which could indicate a drastic drop in white blood cells (agranulocytosis) or bone marrow depression.
  • Abdominal pain, loss of appetite, darkened urine, or yellowing of the eyes or skin, which may be signs of liver problems or inflammation of the pancreas (acute pancreatitis).
  • Easy or excessive bruising, prolonged bleeding from cuts, or blood in urine/stools (thrombocytopaenia).
  • Facial swelling, hoarseness, difficulty breathing, or blood in the urine.

Precautions

• Allergies: Do not take if you are allergic to carbimazole or any other ingredients of NEO MERCAZOLE.
• Pregnancy: Use with caution. Untreated hyperthyroidism can increase the risk of fetal malformations. The lowest possible dose should be used, and effective contraception is advised for women of childbearing age. It may be discontinued 3-4 weeks before term.
• Breastfeeding: NEO MERCAZOLE passes into breast milk, and it is generally warned against or advised to avoid during breastfeeding due to potential harm to the infant.
• Liver Disorders: Use with caution in patients with liver problems; severe hepatic insufficiency is a contraindication. Treatment should be stopped if abnormal liver function is discovered.
• Blood Disorders: Patients with existing blood disorders or a history of serious haematological conditions should use this medicine with extreme caution, as it may further reduce blood cell production. Regular full blood counts are recommended.
• Pancreatitis: Patients with a history of acute pancreatitis caused by carbimazole or its active metabolite thiamazole should avoid this medicine.
• Intrathoracic Goitre: Caution is advised as high dosages may increase thyroid enlargement and aggravate obstructive symptoms.
• Alcohol: Caution is advised when consuming alcohol as it may aggravate liver-related issues.
• Driving/Operating Machinery: This medicine may cause dizziness or affect alertness; avoid such activities if you experience these effects.
• Drug Interactions: Inform your doctor about all medicines, supplements, or herbal remedies you are taking, especially anticoagulants (e.g., warfarin), theophylline, steroids (e.g., prednisolone), antibiotics (e.g., erythromycin), digitalis, and atenolol.
• Monitoring: Regular thyroid function tests and blood tests are crucial to monitor progress and detect any unwanted side effects.

Storage

Store NEO MERCAZOLE 20 MG in a cool, dry place, ideally below 30°C (some sources specify below 25°C or room temperature). Keep it in its original packaging, away from direct sunlight and moisture. Ensure it is kept out of reach of children. Always check the expiry date and do not use if expired.

NEO MERCAZOLE 20 MG is a medication containing carbimazole, primarily used to manage an overactive thyroid gland. Here are some frequently asked questions about this medicine:

What is Neo Mercazole 20 mg used for?

Neo Mercazole 20 mg is used to treat hyperthyroidism, a condition where the thyroid gland produces too much thyroid hormone. It can also be used to prepare patients for thyroidectomy (surgical removal of the thyroid gland) or before and after radioactive iodine treatment for hyperthyroidism and thyroid cancer.

How does Neo Mercazole 20 mg work?

Neo Mercazole 20 mg contains carbimazole, which is a "pro-drug" that converts into its active form, thiamazole (also known as methimazole), in the body. This active form works by reducing the production of thyroid hormones by inhibiting the enzymes involved in their synthesis within the thyroid gland. This helps to restore the balance of thyroid hormone levels and relieve symptoms associated with an overactive thyroid.

What is the usual dosage for Neo Mercazole 20 mg?

The dosage of Neo Mercazole 20 mg is determined by your doctor based on the severity of your condition and your response to treatment. For adults, the usual initial dosage can range from 20 mg to 60 mg per day, often taken in divided doses. Once thyroid hormone levels are controlled, the dose is typically reduced to a maintenance level, usually between 5 mg and 15 mg daily. For children, the dosage depends on body weight and is prescribed by a healthcare provider. It's important to follow your doctor's instructions precisely and not to adjust the dose without consultation.

What are the possible side effects of Neo Mercazole 20 mg?

Common side effects can include nausea, headache, joint pain, stomach upsets, mild skin rashes, and itchiness. More serious, but rare, side effects can include agranulocytosis (a severe drop in white blood cell count, making the body susceptible to infections), liver problems (e.g., abdominal pain, yellowing of skin or eyes, dark urine), and inflammation of the pancreas (acute pancreatitis) marked by fever or abdominal pain. If you experience symptoms like a sore throat, mouth ulcers, fever, unusual bruising or bleeding, extreme tiredness, or severe abdominal pain, stop taking the medication and seek immediate medical attention.

Is Neo Mercazole 20 mg safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding?

Neo Mercazole 20 mg is generally advised with caution during pregnancy as it crosses the placenta and has been associated with fetal malformations in rare cases. If used during pregnancy, the lowest effective dose should be prescribed, and close maternal and fetal monitoring is recommended. It may be discontinued a few weeks before delivery to reduce the risk of neonatal complications. Women of childbearing potential should use reliable contraception during treatment. Neo Mercazole passes into breast milk, and it is generally not recommended to breastfeed while taking this medication. Your doctor will weigh the risks and benefits if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Can Neo Mercazole 20 mg be taken with other medications?

Neo Mercazole 20 mg can interact with certain other medications. These include:

• Anticoagulants (blood thinners like warfarin): Neo Mercazole can affect their action.
• Theophylline (for asthma/breathing problems): Levels may increase when taken with Neo Mercazole.
• Prednisolone (steroids): Neo Mercazole can increase steroid levels.
• Erythromycin (antibiotic): Neo Mercazole may inhibit its metabolism.
• Digitalis and beta-blockers (for heart conditions and high blood pressure): Dosages may need adjustment as thyroid function normalizes.
• Medicines that can cause a decrease in white blood cells.
• Radioactive iodine: Your doctor may temporarily stop Neo Mercazole if you are undergoing radio-iodine treatment.

Always inform your doctor or pharmacist about all other medicines, supplements, or herbal remedies you are currently taking to avoid potential interactions.

What precautions should be taken when using Neo Mercazole 20 mg?

• Blood disorders and liver problems: Neo Mercazole should not be taken if you have serious pre-existing blood disorders or severe liver insufficiency. Use with caution in mild to moderate liver impairment, and liver function tests may be needed.
• Intrathoracic goitre: Exercise caution if you have a swelling in your neck (intrathoracic goitre), as high doses may worsen obstruction.
• Acute pancreatitis: Avoid if you have a history of acute pancreatitis after carbimazole or thiamazole.
• Allergies: Do not take if you are allergic to carbimazole or any of its ingredients.
• Driving and operating machinery: Neo Mercazole may cause dizziness, so caution is advised when driving or operating machinery.
• Regular monitoring: Regular blood tests are necessary to monitor thyroid function and detect any serious side effects like bone marrow depression.

What happens if a dose is missed?

If you miss a dose of Neo Mercazole 20 mg, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one. If you frequently forget doses or are unsure, consult your doctor or pharmacist.

How should it be stored?

Neo Mercazole 20 mg tablets should be stored below 30°C in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight and moisture. Keep the medicine in its original packaging and out of reach of children. Do not use the medicine after the expiry date printed on the pack.