Indication
Carbimazole is used to inhibit the function of the thyroid gland. Therefore, the indications are basically for all diseases that lead to hyperthyroidism. These include Graves’ disease.
In this so-called autoimmune disease, the body produces certain proteins (antibodies) that dock to the thyroid gland and give the signal to produce as many thyroid hormones as possible. In Graves’ disease, treatment with carbimazole is usually aimed at a cure, which is achieved in about 50% of cases. In the absence of success, another therapy such as surgery is usually recommended.
Another disease that leads to hyperactivity and for which carbimazole may be indicated is thyroid autonomy. Here, thyroid tissue has become detached from the body’s control mechanisms and produces uninhibited thyroid hormones. In the case of thyroid autonomy, no cure is achieved by carbimazole treatment. However, the therapy can be used as a bridging measure until, for example, an operation is performed. Further indications for Cabimazol are the preparation of the thyroid gland for an operation as well as the prevention of hyperthyroidism if iodine-containing contrast medium is to be given for a radiological examination.
Carbimazole in pregnancy
Treatment with carbimazole is also possible in principle during pregnancy and is even recommended in some cases. If the mother has an overactive thyroid gland, this can also have dangerous consequences for the unborn child and even lead to miscarriage. In the case of Graves’ disease, the antibodies responsible for the disease can even enter the child’s bloodstream and also lead to hyperfunction.
On the other hand, carbimazole also has an influence on the child and can lead to hypofunction. Therefore, the dosage should be kept as low as possible during pregnancy and the benefits and risks of a therapy should be weighed up. As a rule, the treatment of hyperfunction during pregnancy is then recommended. In most cases, the Propylthiouracil belonging to the same group of drugs is prescribed to pregnant women instead of Carbimazol.
Countersign
Carbimazole should not be taken if hypersensitivity to any of the ingredients of the tablets is known. Likewise, the drug should not be used if there is a pathological change in the blood count with a deficiency of defence cells (granulocytopenia). A biliary disorder in which bile flow is disturbed, as in some people with gallstones, also speaks against treatment with carbimazole.
Carbimazole is excreted in the bile and may remain in the body for too long if the flow of bile is disturbed. A greatly enlarged thyroid gland (goiter or struma), which constricts the windpipe, may be an argument against taking the drug. A pregnancy or if a patient is currently breastfeeding is not a clear sign that this is not the case. In each individual case the doctor has to weigh up whether carbimazole is prescribed. If necessary, this is done despite possible counter-signs if the advantages of a therapy outweigh the disadvantages.
