Neo Mercazole 5 Mg Tablet (130 Tab)

NEO MERCAZOLE 5 MG TABLET is a medication used to manage an overactive thyroid gland.

Name

• Brand Name: Neo-Mercazole
• Common Name: Carbimazole Tablets 5 mg

Composition

• Active Ingredient: Each tablet contains 5 mg of carbimazole. Carbimazole is a pro-drug that is converted to methimazole, its active form, after absorption.
• Inactive Ingredients: Lactose monohydrate, maize starch, sucrose, magnesium stearate, talc, acacia, gelatin, and red iron oxide (E172).

Uses

Neo-Mercazole is an anti-thyroid agent primarily prescribed for the treatment of hyperthyroidism (an overactive thyroid gland), a condition where the thyroid produces excessive thyroid hormones. It can be used alone or in conjunction with other treatments. This medicine is also used to restore normal thyroid function before partial surgical removal of the thyroid gland (thyroidectomy) and before and after radioactive iodine treatment.

Dosage and Administration

NEO MERCAZOLE should be taken exactly as prescribed by a doctor.

• Adults: The usual adult starting dose ranges from four to twelve 5 mg tablets daily (20-60 mg/day) in divided doses. Once control is achieved, the doctor may gradually reduce the dose to a maintenance level, typically two to three 5 mg tablets (10-15 mg) each day.
• Children: The usual starting dose is three 5 mg tablets daily in divided doses. The tablets can be taken with or without food, preferably at the same times each day.

Side Effects

Common side effects may include headache, nausea, mild gastric distress, stomach irritation, skin rash, itching, urticaria (nettle rash), hair loss, and painful joints. Serious side effects, though rare, can include:

• Bone marrow depression, potentially leading to a drastic drop in white blood cells (agranulocytosis), which can manifest as sore throats, mouth ulcers, fever, or unexplained bruising or bleeding.
• Liver problems such as jaundice, hepatitis, or abnormal liver function tests.
• Acute pancreatitis. Patients should seek immediate medical advice if they experience any serious symptoms.

Precautions

• Allergies: Do not take Neo-Mercazole if you have a known allergy to carbimazole or any of its ingredients, or to other anti-thyroid medicines like thiamazole or propylthiouracil.
• Blood Disorders: Caution is advised if you have pre-existing serious blood conditions or bone marrow depression. Regular blood cell counts may be necessary.
• Liver Conditions: Avoid if you have a severe liver disorder. Use with caution in mild-to-moderate liver insufficiency, and discontinue if abnormal liver function is detected.
• Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: Carbimazole can harm an unborn baby and passes into breast milk. Pregnant women or those planning pregnancy should consult their doctor, and reliable contraception should be used during treatment. Breastfeeding is not recommended.
• Drug Interactions: Inform your doctor about all other medicines, including over-the-counter drugs, as some can interfere with Neo-Mercazole, such as theophylline, steroids, erythromycin, digoxin, amiodarone, beta-blockers, and anticoagulants.
• Other Conditions: Use with caution in patients with intrathoracic goitre due to potential tracheal obstruction.

Storage

Store Neo-Mercazole tablets in their original bottle in a cool, dry place where the temperature stays below 25°C. Keep them out of reach of young children. Do not store in a bathroom or near a sink, or leave them in a car or on window sills, as heat and dampness can degrade the medicine. Do not use after the expiry date.

Here are the most frequently asked questions about NEO MERCAZOLE 5 MG TABLET:

What is Neo Mercazole 5 mg Tablet used for?

Neo Mercazole 5 mg Tablet is primarily used to treat hyperthyroidism, a condition characterized by an overactive thyroid gland that produces excessive thyroid hormones. It can also be used as preparation before partial surgical removal of the thyroid gland (thyroidectomy) and both before and after radioactive iodine treatment.

How does Neo Mercazole 5 mg Tablet work?

The active ingredient in Neo Mercazole 5 mg Tablet is carbimazole. Carbimazole is a "pro-drug" that is rapidly converted in the body to its active form, thiamazole (methimazole). This active metabolite works by reducing the production of thyroid hormones in the thyroid gland. It achieves this by blocking the organic binding of iodine and inhibiting the iodination of tyrosine, which are crucial steps in the synthesis of thyroid hormones.

What is the usual dosage for Neo Mercazole 5 mg Tablet?

The dosage is prescribed by your doctor based on the severity of your condition and individual needs. For adults, a common starting dose ranges from four to twelve 5 mg tablets (20 mg to 60 mg) daily, usually divided into multiple doses. For children, the typical starting dose is three 5 mg tablets (15 mg) daily, also in divided doses. Once thyroid hormone levels are controlled, your doctor will gradually reduce the dose to a maintenance level, often between two to three 5 mg tablets (10 mg to 15 mg) daily for adults. Neo Mercazole can be taken with or without food.

What are the possible side effects of Neo Mercazole 5 mg Tablet?

Common side effects can include nausea, headache, joint pain, stomach upsets, skin rashes, itchiness, a change in or loss of taste, and hair loss. More serious, though less common, side effects require immediate medical attention. These include signs of bone marrow depression (e.g., sore throat, mouth ulcers, fever, unexplained bruising or bleeding) and liver problems (e.g., abdominal pain, dark urine, yellowing of the skin or eyes, loss of appetite).

Is Neo Mercazole 5 mg Tablet safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding?

Neo Mercazole 5 mg Tablet can potentially harm an unborn baby and is generally not recommended during pregnancy, especially during the first trimester and at high doses, due to reports of congenital malformations. Women of childbearing potential should use effective contraception throughout treatment. If continued during pregnancy, it must be under strict medical supervision and at the lowest effective dose. Neo Mercazole passes into breast milk, and therefore, breastfeeding is generally not recommended while taking this medication.

Can Neo Mercazole 5 mg Tablet be taken with other medications?

Neo Mercazole 5 mg Tablet can interact with various medications. It should be used with caution if you are taking blood thinners (anticoagulants like warfarin), certain asthma drugs (theophylline), steroids (prednisolone), antibiotics (erythromycin), or heart medications (such as digoxin, amiodarone, or beta-blockers). It can also affect the results of laboratory tests, such as liver enzyme levels and bleeding time. Always inform your doctor or pharmacist about all other medications, supplements, and herbal remedies you are taking.

What precautions should be taken while on Neo Mercazole 5 mg Tablet?

It is crucial to be aware of certain symptoms while taking Neo Mercazole. Immediately contact your doctor if you experience a sore throat, mouth ulcers, fever, unexplained bruising or bleeding, as these could indicate a serious blood disorder. Similarly, stop taking the medication and seek medical advice if you notice signs of liver problems, such as abdominal pain, loss of appetite, dark urine, or yellowing of the eyes or skin. The medicine should be used with caution if you have a history of liver disease, bone marrow depression, or an intrathoracic goitre (an enlarged thyroid that extends into the chest). Individuals with rare hereditary intolerances to galactose or sucrose should avoid this product.

What happens if a dose of Neo Mercazole 5 mg Tablet is missed?

If you miss a dose of Neo Mercazole, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to compensate for the missed one.

How should Neo Mercazole 5 mg Tablet be stored?

Store Neo Mercazole 5 mg Tablets in their original bottle, in a cool, dry place, with the temperature remaining below 25°C. Avoid storing it in areas prone to heat and dampness, such as bathrooms, near a sink, in a car, or on window sills. Always keep the medicine out of reach of young children.