methimazole: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Low/Very LowTechnical/Medical
Quick answer
What does “methimazole” mean?
An antithyroid medication used to treat hyperthyroidism by reducing the production of thyroid hormones.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
An antithyroid medication used to treat hyperthyroidism by reducing the production of thyroid hormones.
A thioimidazole derivative, functioning as a thyroid peroxidase inhibitor, commonly prescribed for Graves' disease and other thyroid storm conditions.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical or spelling differences. Usage and prescription are identical.
Connotations
None beyond its clinical function.
Frequency
Identical frequency in medical contexts; unknown to the general public in both regions.
Grammar
How to Use “methimazole” in a Sentence
The doctor prescribed methimazole for her overactive thyroid.Patients taking methimazole require regular monitoring.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “methimazole” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- (Not applicable - proper noun/drug name)
American English
- (Not applicable - proper noun/drug name)
adverb
British English
- (Not applicable - no adverbial form)
American English
- (Not applicable - no adverbial form)
adjective
British English
- The methimazole regimen was effective.
- She experienced a methimazole-induced rash.
American English
- The methimazole treatment plan was adjusted.
- He had a methimazole-related side effect.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used only in pharmaceutical manufacturing and distribution contexts.
Academic
Used in medical, pharmacological, and endocrinology research and textbooks.
Everyday
Extremely rare; used only by patients discussing their medication with healthcare providers.
Technical
The primary context. Used in clinical diagnosis, treatment plans, pharmacy, and medical literature.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “methimazole”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “methimazole”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “methimazole”
- Misspelling: methimizole, methymazole, methemazole.
- Mispronunciation: placing stress on the first syllable (/ˈmɛθɪməzoʊl/).
- Confusing it with methadone, an entirely different drug.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Methimazole is the generic (non-proprietary) name. A common brand name is Tapazole.
Common side effects can include skin rash, joint pain, nausea, and a decreased white blood cell count (agranulocytosis), which is rare but serious.
It is used with caution and under strict medical supervision during pregnancy, as it can cross the placenta. Propylthiouracil (PTU) is often preferred in the first trimester.
Methimazole is a long-term medical management option that reduces hormone production. Surgery (thyroidectomy) is a definitive procedure to remove part or all of the thyroid gland, often considered if medication is ineffective or not tolerated.
An antithyroid medication used to treat hyperthyroidism by reducing the production of thyroid hormones.
Methimazole is usually technical/medical in register.
Methimazole: in British English it is pronounced /mɛˈθɪməzəʊl/, and in American English it is pronounced /məˈθɪməˌzoʊl/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “(No idioms exist for this technical term.)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
METHIMazole helps ME THIeroid hormones stay in the MIDdle, not too high.
Conceptual Metaphor
MEDICATION IS A REGULATOR / MEDICATION IS A TOOL FOR CORRECTION.
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary function of methimazole?