Methimazole

Methimazole is an antithyroid medication developed to manage hyperthyroidism, particularly in conditions like Graves' disease. Introduced as a less toxic alternative to older treatments, methimazole works by inhibiting thyroid hormone synthesis, targeting the thyroid peroxidase enzyme. Its use has become widespread due to its effectiveness, convenience of dosing, and relative safety compared to alternatives like propylthiouracil. While primarily associated with mild side effects such as rash and itching, it has occasionally been linked to rare adverse events like agranulocytosis and, more recently, acute pancreatitis in isolated reports. However, systematic studies, including a population-based analysis in Taiwan, found no significant association between methimazole and pancreatitis, supporting its continued use as a cornerstone in thyroid disorder management.

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