Propylthiouracil (patient information)

Why is this medication prescribed
Propylthiouracil is used to treat hyperthyroidism, a condition that occurs when the thyroid gland produces too much thyroid hormone. It also is taken before thyroid surgery or radioactive iodine therapy.

How should this medicine be used
Propylthiouracil comes as a tablet and is usually taken three times a day, approximately every 8 hours, with food. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take propylthiouracil exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.

Other uses for this medicine
This medication may be prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

What special precautions should I follow
Before taking propylthiouracil:


 * tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to propylthiouracil or any other drugs.
 * tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications you are taking, especially anticoagulants ('blood thinners') such as warfarin (Coumadin), diabetes medications, digoxin (Lanoxin), and vitamins.
 * tell your doctor if you have or have ever had any blood disease, such as decreased white blood cells (leukopenia), decreased platelets (thrombocytopenia), or aplastic anemia, or liver disease (hepatitis, jaundice).
 * tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking propylthiouracil, call your doctor immediately.
 * if you are having surgery, including dental surgery, tell the doctor or dentist that you are taking propylthiouracil.

What special dietary instructions should I follow
Unless your doctor tells you otherwise, continue your normal diet.

What should I do if I forget a dose
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule at evenly spaced, 8-hour intervals. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.

Mild side effects
''Propylthiouracil may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:''


 * skin rash
 * itching
 * abnormal hair loss
 * upset stomach
 * vomiting
 * loss of taste
 * abnormal sensations (tingling, prickling, burning, tightness, and pulling)
 * swelling
 * joint and muscle pain
 * drowsiness
 * dizziness
 * decreased white blood cells
 * decreased platelets

Severe side effects
''Some side effects can be serious. The following symptoms are uncommon, but if you experience any of them, call your doctor immediately:''


 * sore throat
 * fever
 * headache
 * chills
 * unusual bleeding or bruising
 * right-sided abdominal pain with decreased appetite
 * yellowing of the skin or eyes
 * skin eruptions

Propylthiouracil may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while taking this medication.

If you experience a serious side effect, you or your doctor may send a report to the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online [at http://www.fda.gov/MedWatch/report.htm] or by phone [1-800-332-1088].

What storage conditions are needed for this medicine
Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Throw away any medication that is outdated or no longer needed. Talk to your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your medication.

In case of emergency/overdose
In case of overdose, call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call local emergency services at 911.

What other information should I know
Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory.

Do not let anyone else take your medication. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription.

Other names

 * PTU