This NHS content is written for people in England. Medicine names, availability, prescribing and services may differ in other countries.
Dosage and how to take carbimazole
Dosage and strength
Carbimazole comes as 5mg, 10mg, 15mg and 20mg tablets. You may need to take more than 1 tablet to make up your dose.
Doses vary depending on your symptoms, your thyroid hormone levels and whether you have any other health conditions. Your doctor will tell you how many tablets to take.
The usual starting dose for adults is between 20mg and 60mg a day.
When you first start taking carbimazole, you will take it 2 or 3 times a day. Try to space the doses evenly throughout the day. If you take it 3 times a day, you could take it first thing in the morning, in the middle of the afternoon and at bedtime.
The starting dose for children depends on their age and weight. Children may take it once a day, or divided into 2 or 3 smaller doses.
How to take it
Swallow the tablets whole, with a drink of water.
You can take carbimazole with or without food.
View the original NHS website page ↗. Refreshed 19 August 2026.
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