What is Propylthiouracil?
Propylthiouracil prevents the thyroid gland from producing too much thyroid hormone.
Propylthiouracil is used to treat hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid) or Graves’ disease.
Propylthiouracil may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.
What is the most important information I should know about Propylthiouracil?
Do not use propylthiouracil if you are pregnant. It could harm the unborn baby.
Propylthiouracil can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. Do not use propylthiouracil while you are breast-feeding a baby.
Propylthiouracil can lower blood cells that help your body fight infections. This can make it easier for you to bleed from an injury or get sick from being around others who are ill. Contact your doctor at once if you develop signs of infection.
Propylthiouracil may cause severe liver symptoms. Call your doctor at once if you have any of these liver symptoms: low fever, itching, nausea, stomach pain, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-colored stools, or jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes).
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking Propylthiouracil?
You should not use this medication if you are allergic to propylthiouracil, or if you are breast-feeding a baby.
If you have any of these other conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests:
- liver problems; or
- a blood disorder
FDA pregnancy category D. Do not use propylthiouracil if you are pregnant. It could harm the unborn baby. Use effective birth control, and tell your doctor if you become pregnant during treatment.
Propylthiouracil can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. Do not use propylthiouracil while you are breast-feeding a baby.
Propylthiouracil Side Effects
What are the possible side effects of Propylthiouracil?
Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Stop taking propylthiouracil and call your doctor at once if you have a serious side effect such as:
- fever, sore throat, headache, body aches, flu symptoms
- pale skin, easy bruising or bleeding (nosebleeds, bleeding gums), unusual weakness
- dry cough, trouble breathing; or
- severe blistering, peeling, and red skin rash
Propylthiouracil may also cause severe liver symptoms. Call your doctor at once if you have any of these liver symptoms:
- low fever, itching
- nausea, stomach pain, loss of appetite
- dark urine, clay-colored stools; or
- jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes)
Less serious side effects may include:
- upset stomach, vomiting
- dizziness, spinning sensation
- mild skin rash or itching
- mild joint or muscle pain
- decreased sense of taste; or
- hair loss
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Propylthiouracil Interactions
What other drugs affect Propylthiouracil?
Tell your doctor about all other medications you use, especially:
- digoxin (Lanoxin, digitalis)
- theophylline (Elixophyllin, Theo-24, Uniphyl)
- a blood thinner such as warfarin (Coumadin); or
- a beta-blocker such as atenolol (Tenormin, Tenoretic), carvedilol (Coreg), labetalol (Normodyne, Trandate), metoprolol (Lopressor, Toprol), nadolol (Corgard), propranolol (Inderal, InnoPran), sotalol (Betapace), and others
This list is not complete and other drugs may interact with propylthiouracil. Tell your doctor about all medications you use. This includes prescription, over-the-counter, vitamin, and herbal products. Do not start a new medication without telling your doctor.
What should I avoid while taking Propylthiouracil?
Avoid being near people who are sick or have infections. Tell your doctor at once if you develop signs of infection.
Propylthiouracil Dosage
How should I take Propylthiouracil?
Take exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not take in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended. Follow the directions on your prescription label.
Take this medicine with a full glass of water.
Propylthiouracil can be taken with or without food.
Use propylthiouracil regularly to get the most benefit. Get your prescription refilled before you run out of medicine completely.
Propylthiouracil can lower blood cells that help your body fight infections. This can make it easier for you to bleed from an injury or get sick from being around others who are ill. Your blood may need to be tested often. Visit your doctor regularly.
Contact your doctor at once if you develop signs of infection such as fever, chills, sore throat, flu symptoms, easy bruising or bleeding (nosebleeds, bleeding gums), loss of appetite, nausea and vomiting, mouth sores, or unusual weakness.
Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
What happens if I overdose on Propylthiouracil?
Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.
Overdose symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, headache, joint pain, fever, sore throat, itching, rash, swelling, loss of appetite, numbness or tingling, and feeling restless or drowsy.
What happens if I miss a dose of Propylthiouracil?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.
Sourced from everydayhealth.com