Propylthiouracil
Description
Propylthiouracil is used for the treatment of Graves' disease and hyperthyroidism, a condition where the thyroid gland produces an excessive amount of thyroid hormones. It is also used to relieve the symptoms of hyperthyroidism before thyroid surgery or radioactive iodine treatment.
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Side effects
Major & minor side effects for Propylthiouracil
- Black or Tarry stools
- Chest pain
- Difficulty or painful urination
- Shortness of breath
- Dark colored urine
- Stomach pain
- Yellow colored eyes or skin
- Weakness and general discomfort
- Hair loss
Uses of Propylthiouracil
What is it prescribed for?
- Hyperthyroidism
- Graves Disease
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Concerns
Commonly asked questions
- Onset of actionThe amount of time required for this medicine to show its action is not clinically established.
- Duration of effectThe effect of this medicine lasts for a maximum duration of 12-24 hours.
- Safe with alcohol?Interaction with alcohol is unknown. It is advisable to consult your doctor before consumption.
- Is it habit forming?No habit forming tendency has been reported.
- Usage in pregnancy?This medicine is not recommended for use in pregnant women unless absolutely necessary. All the risks and benefits should be discussed with the doctor before taking this medicine.
- Usage while breast-feeding?This medicine is not recommended for use in breastfeeding women unless absolutely necessary. All the risks and benefits should be discussed with the doctor before taking this medicine.
Allergy
This medicine is not recommended for use in patients with a known allergy to propylthiouracil or any other inactive ingredients present along with it.
Warnings for special population
Pregnancy
This medicine is not recommended for use in pregnant women unless absolutely necessary. All the risks and benefits should be discussed with the doctor before taking this medicine.
Breast-feeding
This medicine is not recommended for use in breastfeeding women unless absolutely necessary. All the risks and benefits should be discussed with the doctor before taking this medicine.
General warnings
Hepatotoxicity
This medicine should be used with extreme caution in patients suffering from liver diseases due to the increased risk of hepatotoxicity. Close monitoring of liver function tests is necessary while taking this medicine. Appropriate dose adjustments or replacement with a suitable alternative may be required in some cases based on the clinical condition.
Hypothyroidism
This medicine should be used with caution due to the increased risk of hypothyroidism (low thyroid hormone levels). This risk is especially higher if the medicine is used for a prolonged period of time. Close monitoring of thyroid function tests is necessary while receiving this medicine. Appropriate dose adjustments or replacement with a suitable alternative may be required in some cases based on the clinical condition.
Agranulocytosis
This medicine should be used with extreme caution in patients suffering from agranulocytosis, a condition that affects white blood cells, since it may worsen the patient's condition. Report to the doctor if you experience any unusual symptoms like fever, sore throat, shortness of breath, tiredness, pale skin, etc. immediately. Appropriate dose adjustments or replacement with a suitable alternative may be required in some cases based on the clinical condition.
Bleeding Disorders
This medicine should be used with extreme caution in patients suffering from bleeding disorders due to the increased risk of worsening of the patient's condition. Close monitoring of prothrombin time/INR is necessary while taking this medicine. Appropriate dose adjustment or replacement with a suitable alternative may be required in some cases based on the clinical condition.
Missed Dose
The missed dose should be taken as soon as possible. It is advisable to skip the missed dose if it is already time for your next scheduled dose. Do not use extra medicine to make up for the missed dose.
Overdose
Seek emergency medical treatment or contact the doctor in case of an overdose.
All drugs interact differently for person to person. You should check all the possible interactions with your doctor before starting any medicine.
Interaction with Alcohol
Description
Interaction with alcohol is unknown. It is advisable to consult your doctor before consumption.
Instructions
Interaction with alcohol is unknown. It is advisable to consult your doctor before consumption.
Interaction with Medicine
Leflunomide
Metoprolol
Fluphenazine
Efavirenz
Carvedilol
Disease interactions
Blood Dyscrasias
This medicine should be used with caution in patients suffering from blood dyscrasias (Thrombocytopenia, Neutropenia, leukopenia, etc.) since it may worsen the patient's condition. Regular monitoring of complete blood count levels is necessary while taking this medicine. Appropriate dose adjustments or replacement with a suitable alternative may be required in some cases based on the clinical condition.
Liver Disease
This medicine should be used with caution in patients suffering from liver diseases or hepatitis due to the increased risk of hepatotoxicity. Close monitoring of liver functions tests is necessary while taking this medicine. Appropriate dose adjustments or replacement with a suitable alternative may be required in some cases based on the clinical condition.
Food interactions
Information not available.
Lab interactions
Information not available.
Take this medicine exactly advised by your doctor. Do not take in larger or smaller amounts than advised/prescribed. Consult the doctor if you experience any undesirable side effects. Ensure that the course of treatment is completed. Do not stop the use of this medicine without consulting your doctor.
Miscelleneous
How it works
It inhibits the synthesis of thyroid hormone to reduce thyroid hormone levels and thus relieves associated symptoms.
Legal Status
Classification
Category
Antithyroid agents
Schedule
Schedule H
[Internet]. Medicines.org.uk. 2018 [cited 5 December 2018]. Available from:
Propylthiouracil [Internet]. Pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov. 2019 [cited 19 February 2019]. Available from:
DailyMed - Propylthiouracil - propylthiouracil tablet [Internet]. Dailymed.nlm.nih.gov. 2019 [cited 19 February 2019]. Available from:
Propylthiouracil - DrugBank [Internet]. Drugbank.ca. 2019 [cited 19 February 2019]. Available from:
Propylthiouracil: MedlinePlus Drug Information [Internet]. Medlineplus.gov. 2019 [cited 19 February 2019]. Available from:
Information on this page was last updated on 19 Feb 2019
Disclaimer
We’ve made all possible efforts to ensure that the information provided here is accurate, up-to-date and complete, however, it should not be treated as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Practo only provides reference source for common information on medicines and does not guarantee its accuracy or exhaustiveness. The absence of a warning for any drug or combination thereof, should not be assumed to indicate that the drug or combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for any given patient. Practo does not assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the aid of information provided above. If you have any doubts about your medication then we strongly recommend that you consult with your doctor, nurse or healthcare provider. See detailed T&C here.