Propylthiouracil – Side Effects, Interactions, Uses, Dosage, Warnings

Propylthiouracil is used to treat hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid), Graves' disease, or toxic goiter (enlarged thyroid). This medicine is sometimes given to control symptoms just before you undergo thyroid surgery or treatment with radioactive iodine.

Propylthiouracil may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

uses

What is Propylthiouracil used for?

  • Hyperthyroidism
  • Thyroid Storm
  • Thyrotoxicosis
  • Thyroid Disease
  • Graves' Disease

warnings

What is the most important information I should know about Propylthiouracil?

You should not use propylthiouracil if you are allergic to it.

Tell your doctor if you have ever had liver problems.

In very rare cases, propylthiouracil has caused liver failure and death in pregnant women during the second or third trimester of pregnancy. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

Tell your doctor if you are breastfeeding.

Propylthiouracil may cause liver failure in children, but is sometimes used in children who cannot be treated with other medications. Do not give this medicine to a child without your doctor's advice.

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Side Effects

What are the side effects of Propylthiouracil?

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction (hives, difficult breathing, swelling in your face or throat) or a severe skin reaction (fever, sore throat, burning eyes, skin pain, red or purple skin rash with blistering and peeling).

Propylthiouracil can cause liver damage (especially during the first 6 months of treatment). Liver failure can be fatal or may require a liver transplant. Stop taking propylthiouracil and call your doctor right away if you have signs of liver damage:

  • nausea, vomiting, upper stomach pain;
  • itching;
  • fever, tiredness;
  • loss of appetite;
  • dark urine, clay-colored stools; or
  • jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes).

Also call your doctor at once if you have:

  • fever, chills, sore throat, mouth sores, feeling light-headed;
  • unusual bleeding;
  • purple or red discoloration of your skin;
  • skin rash, skin pain or swelling;
  • pink or dark urine, foamy urine, little or no urination;
  • shortness of breath, or if you cough up blood; or
  • new or worsening symptoms of lupus–joint pain, and a skin rash on your cheeks or arms that worsens in sunlight.

Common side effects may include:

  • nausea, vomiting, stomach pain;
  • itching or tingling, nerve pain;
  • joint or muscle pain;
  • swollen glands;
  • headache, drowsiness, dizziness;
  • swelling in your hands or feet;
  • 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.

Pregnancy & Breastfeeding

Can I take Propylthiouracil if I’m pregnant or breastfeeding?

D
Positive evidence of risk
Based on FDA pregnancy categories

In very rare cases, propylthiouracil has caused liver failure and death in pregnant women during the second or third trimester of pregnancy. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

Tell your doctor if you are breastfeeding.

Interactions

What drugs and food should I avoid while taking Propylthiouracil?

Avoid driving or hazardous activity until you know how this medicine will affect you. Your reactions could be impaired.

Dosage Guidelines & Tips

How to take Propylthiouracil?

Use Propylthiouracil exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.

Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose. Use the medicine exactly as directed.

Propylthiouracil is usually taken 3 times per day.

You will need frequent blood tests to check your thyroid.

Call your doctor if you have unusual bruising or bleeding, or signs of infection (fever, chills, sore throat).

Tell your doctor if you have a planned surgery.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

What should I do if I missed a dose of Propylthiouracil?

Take the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not take two doses at one time.

Get your prescription refilled before you run out of medicine completely.

Overdose Signs

What happens if I overdose on Propylthiouracil?

Overdose symptoms may include fever, chills, itching, upset stomach, nausea, vomiting, swelling, headache, or joint pain.

If you think you or someone else may have overdosed on: Propylthiouracil,  call your doctor or the Poison Control center

(800) 222-1222

If someone collapses or isn't breathing after taking Propylthiouracil, call 911

911

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