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Tapazole vs. Levo-T

Are Tapazole and Levo-T the Same Thing?

Tapazole (methimazole) and Levo-T (levothyroxine sodium) are used to treat different thyroid disorders.

Tapazole is used to treat hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid). Tapazole is also used before thyroid surgery or radioactive iodine treatment.

Levo-T is used to treat hypothyroidism (low thyroid hormone). Levo-T is also used to treat or prevent goiter (enlarged thyroid gland), which can be caused by hormone imbalances, radiation treatment, surgery, or cancer.

Tapazole and Levo-T belong to different drug classes. Tapazole is an anti-thyroid drug and Levo-T is a replacement for thyroid hormone.

Side effects of Tapazole and Levo-T that are similar include nausea, vomiting, joint pain, and hair loss.

Side effects of Tapazole that are different from Levo-T include stomach upset, mild skin rash/itching, headache, drowsiness, dizziness, muscle/nerve pain, and swelling.

Side effects of Levo-T that are different from Tapazole include allergic reactions (hives, itching, skin rash, and flushing), abdominal pain, diarrhea, fever, and wheezing.

Tapazole may interact with blood thinners, digoxin, digitalis, beta-blockers, and theophylline.

Levo-T may interact with lithium, amiodarone, antidepressants, or radiation therapy with iodine.

What Are Possible Side Effects of Tapazole?

Common side effects of Tapazole include:

  • stomach upset,
  • nausea,
  • vomiting,
  • mild skin rash/itching,
  • headache,
  • drowsiness,
  • dizziness,
  • muscle/joint/nerve pain,
  • swelling, or
  • hair loss.

Tell your doctor if you experience rare but serious side effects of Tapazole including

  • yellowing eyes/skin (jaundice),
  • dark urine,
  • severe stomach or abdominal pain,
  • persistent nausea or vomiting, or
  • changes in the amount of urine.

What Are Possible Side Effects of Levo-T?

Common side effects of Levo-T include:

  • allergic reactions (hives, itching, skin rash, and flushing),
  • abdominal pain,
  • nausea,
  • vomiting,
  • diarrhea,
  • fever,
  • joint pain, and
  • wheezing

What Is Tapazole?

Tapazole (methimazole) is an anti-thyroid drug used to treat hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid). Tapazole is also used before thyroid surgery or radioactive iodine treatment.

What Is Levo-T?

Levo-T (levothyroxine sodium) a replacement for a hormone that is normally produced by your thyroid gland used to treat hypothyroidism (low thyroid hormone). Levo-T is also used to treat or prevent goiter (enlarged thyroid gland), which can be caused by hormone imbalances, radiation treatment, surgery, or cancer. Levo-T is available in generic form. Common side effects of Levo-T include hair loss during the first few months of treatment. This side effect of Levo-T is usually temporary as your body adjusts to this medication.

 

What Drugs Interact With Tapazole?

Some products that may interact with Tapazole include blood thinners (such as warfarin), digoxin, and theophylline. Tapazole is not recommended for use during the first 3 months of pregnancy and should be used only when prescribed during the last 6 months of pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. This medication passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

What Drugs Interact With Levo-T?

Levo-T may interact with lithium, amiodarone, antidepressants, or radiation therapy with iodine. Many other drugs can interact with Levo-T. Tell your doctor all medications and supplements you take. Other drugs can be taken while taking Levo-T, but they must be taken 4 hours before, or 4 hours after taking Levo-T. Consult your doctor. Current information shows Levo-T may be used during pregnancy. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant because your dose may need to be adjusted. This medication passes into breast milk but is unlikely to harm a nursing infant. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.

 

How Should Tapazole Be Taken?

The initial adult dose of Tapazole is between 15-60 mg/day, depending on the severity of the hyperthyroidism, divided into three doses taken 8 hours apart.

How Should Levo-T Be Taken?

Dosage of Levo-T is individualized.

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