Introduction
Carbimazole is a drug that is used to treat hyperthyroidism. Such hyperthyroidism can have different triggers and can manifest itself through different symptoms. Symptoms of hyperthyroidism include Carbimazole belongs to the group of “thyrostatic drugs”, which translated means “thyroid inhibitors”.
The use of thyrostatic drugs – also of carbimazole – can have different objectives: In Graves’ disease, a relatively common disease of the immune system that triggers hyperthyroidism, thyrostatic drugs are used until the disease subsides by itself. Before various operations, thyroid hyperfunction must be treated with thyrostatic drugs to make problems during the operation less likely. Very often thyrostatic drugs are used to reduce the severity of symptoms of hyperthyroidism until it is finally treated by surgery (e.g. removal of the thyroid gland or treatment with radioactive iodine). Only rarely, e.g. when patients cannot be operated on because of other diseases, are thyrostatic drugs used as a permanent treatment for hyperthyroidism. – Weight loss,
- Uncomfortable with heat
- Insomnia
- General unrest
- Shaking
- Moist and warm skin and
- A fast beating heart
Effect
Carbimazol is taken as a tablet and develops its effect on the thyroid gland. There it inhibits the production of the thyroid hormones thyroxine and triiodothyronine. For this purpose it is first converted into its active form thiamazole after absorption in the gastrointestinal tract.
The thyroid gland needs iodine for the production of the hormones, which is incorporated into the hormone levels via certain enzymes. The thyroid hormones have an influence on many bodily functions such as the heat and energy balance and metabolism. Normally the thyroid gland is subject to precise regulation of its function by the body.
In some thyroid diseases, these regulatory mechanisms are disturbed and an overproduction of thyroid hormones occurs, resulting in hyperthyroidism. This can manifest itself through a variety of symptoms such as trembling, inner restlessness, palpitations and sensitivity to heat. Carbimazole (or thiamazole) now directly inhibits the enzymes of the thyroid gland, which enable the incorporation of iodine into the thyroid hormones.
As a result, less effective hormones can be produced and hyperthyroidism is combated. With a sufficient dosage, the associated symptoms also disappear after a few days. If carbimazole is taken in too high a dosage, excessive inhibition of thyroid function can also lead to hypofunction.
Contrary to overfunctioning, typical symptoms are tiredness, freezing and weight gain. The effectiveness is also influenced by how much iodine is in the body. If there is an excess of iodine, the effect is worse, but if there is a lack of iodine, it is better.
Carbimazole and alcohol
Carbimazole is one of the drugs that do not interact directly with alcohol. However, caution is advised due to the fact that carbimazole is often prescribed for the thyroid disease Graves’ disease. If one suffers from this disease, one often tolerates alcohol very badly and this can have a negative influence on the disease. Carbimazole and alcohol are generally well tolerated, but due to the disease underlying the treatment it should be avoided to consume alcohol in large quantities.
