Carbizol 5 mg

Description

Indications
Carbizol is primarily indicated for the management of hyperthyroidism and thyrotoxicosis, including the critical condition of thyroid storm. It is also utilized for preparing patients for thyroidectomy and may be used in conjunction with radioactive ablative therapy.

Take the medication as directed by a registered healthcare provider.

Pharmacology
Carbizol contains carbimazole, an anti-thyroid drug that works by inhibiting the production of thyroid hormones. It reduces the thyroid gland’s uptake of inorganic iodine, which is crucial in the synthesis of thyroid hormones. The primary mechanism of action is the reduction in the formation of di-iodotyrosine and thyroxine. Carbimazole is rapidly absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract and is widely distributed throughout the body. Once absorbed, carbimazole is completely metabolized into methimazole, the active metabolite that exerts its therapeutic effects. Carbimazole is known to cross the placental barrier and is excreted into breast milk.

Dosage & Administration

• Initial Dose: 20-60 mg per day, divided into 2-3 doses, until the patient achieves a euthyroid state.
• Maintenance Dose: After achieving a euthyroid state, the dose is gradually reduced, with the final dose typically ranging from 5-15 mg/day, which can be taken as a single dose.
• For Neonates and Children under 12 years: The usual initial dose is 250 mcg per kg per day, divided into multiple doses.
• Treatment Duration: Typically, treatment lasts 18 to 24 months.

Please follow the advice of a registered healthcare provider when taking this medication.

Drug Interactions
Carbizol may interact with several other medications:

• Excess iodine or iodine supplements can reduce the effectiveness of Carbizol, potentially necessitating an increase in the dosage or an extension of therapy duration.
• As the thyroid function normalizes, the effectiveness of oral anticoagulants may decrease. However, if hypoprothrombinemia is induced by the thioamide treatment, anticoagulant effects may be enhanced. Monitoring prothrombin time and adjusting anticoagulant dosages accordingly is recommended.
• Serum levels of digoxin and digitoxin may rise as thyroid and metabolic function normalizes, which may require a reduction in the dose of any digitalis glycosides as the patient returns to a euthyroid state.

Contraindications
Carbizol should not be used in individuals who are hypersensitive to carbimazole or other thiourea-based antithyroid medications.

Side Effects
Common side effects of Carbizol include:

• Skin reactions like rash, pruritis (itching), and pigmentation changes.
• Neurological symptoms such as headache, paraesthesias (tingling), and arthralgia (joint pain).
• Gastrointestinal issues like nausea, vomiting, and gastric discomfort.
• Other effects may include abnormal hair loss, drug-induced fever, a lupus-like syndrome, vasculitis, nephritis, and liver problems such as jaundice. Taste disturbances may also occur.

Pregnancy & Lactation
Carbizol can be used during pregnancy to manage thyrotoxicosis, but only the smallest effective dose should be used, as an overdose can harm the fetus. The medication crosses the placenta and is excreted into breast milk, which may result in neonatal or fetal hypothyroidism and goitre. It is essential to use Carbizol cautiously during pregnancy and breastfeeding under medical supervision.

Precautions & Warnings
Carbizol should be used with extreme caution, or avoided altogether, in patients with any degree of tracheal obstruction. High doses of carbimazole may cause thyroid enlargement, worsening obstructive symptoms. Regular monitoring is recommended.

Overdose Effects
An overdose or accidental poisoning may lead to hypothyroidism and goitre. If blood disorders occur, the medication should be stopped immediately. Treatment is typically symptomatic and supportive.

Therapeutic Class
Anti-thyroid drugs

Storage Conditions
Store Carbizol below 30°C, away from light and moisture. Keep out of the reach of children.