Propylthiouracil is a drug used to treat hyperthyroidism. This is a condition when thyroid hormone levels are too high. In addition, this drug is also given to patients before undergoing thyroid surgery and or before patients undergoing radioactive therapy with iodine.
Propylthiouracil works by inhibiting the formation of thyroid hormones, including T3 and T4, thereby reducing levels of these hormones in the body. Propylthiouracil can also be used when methimazole or radioactive therapy is not available. This medicine should only be used according to a doctor's prescription.
Propylthiouracil trademark: Propylthiouracil, Prostimix
What is Propylthiouracil
| group | Prescription drugs |
| Category | Antithyroid |
| Benefit | Treating hyperthyroidism |
| Used by | Mature |
| Propylthiouracil for pregnant and lactating women | Category D:There is positive evidence of risks to the human fetus, but the benefits may outweigh the risks, for example in dealing with life-threatening situations. Propylthiouracil can be absorbed into breast milk. If you are breastfeeding, do not use this medicine without consulting your doctor first. |
| Drug form | Tablet |
Precautions Before Taking Propylthiouracil
There are several things you need to pay attention to before taking propylthiouracil, including:
- Tell your doctor about any allergies you have. Propylthiouracil should not be given to patients who are allergic to this drug.
- Tell your doctor if you have or have ever had kidney problems, liver disease, blood disorders, such as agranulocytosis, aplastic anemia, or thrombocytopenia.
- Tell your doctor if you are on treatment with propylthiouracil before having any surgery, including dental surgery.
- Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning a pregnancy.
- Tell your doctor if you are taking certain medications, supplements, or herbal products.
- See your doctor right away if you experience an allergic drug reaction, overdose, or serious side effect after using propylthiouracil.
Dosage and Instructions for Use of Propylthiouracil
The following are the doses of propylthiouracil in the treatment of hyperthyroidism, before radioactive iodine therapy, or before thyrodectomy surgery, for adults:
- The initial dose is 300 mg per day divided into 3 doses, with an interval of 8 hours between administration. The dose can be increased to 600–900 mg per day.
- The maintenance dose is 100–150 mg per day divided into 2–3 doses, with an interval of 8–12 hours between administration.
How to Take Propylthiouracil Correctly
Always follow the doctor's instructions and read the information on the medicine package before taking propylthiouracil. Do not increase or decrease the dose of the drug without consulting your doctor first.
Take propylthiouracil tablets after meals. Swallow the propylthiouracil tablets whole with the help of a glass of water. Keep taking propylthiouracil even if you feel better. Do not stop taking the drug without consulting your doctor first.
If you forget to take propylthiouracil, take it as soon as you remember if the distance to the next consumption schedule is not too close. If it is close, ignore it and do not double the dose. Tell your doctor if you frequently forget to take propylthiouracil.
During treatment with propylthiouracil, you need to undergo regular check-ups and control, so that your condition and response to therapy can be monitored. You will also be asked to have regular blood tests to determine your condition.
Store propylthiouracil at room temperature, in a dry place, and away from direct sunlight. Keep medicine out of reach of children.
Propylthiouracil Interactions with Other Drugs
The following are some of the effects of interactions that may occur if propylthiouracil is used together with other medicines:
- Increased risk of bleeding if used with warfarin
- Increased risk of serious infection when used with deferiprone
- Increased risk of side effects from metoprolol, digoxin, or carvedilol
- Increased risk of impaired liver function when used with leflunomide, lomitapide, mipomersen, pexdartinib, or teriflunomide
- Increased risk of agranulocytosis when used with fluphenazine
Propylthiouracil Side Effects and Dangers
There are several side effects that can occur after taking propylthiouracil, including:
- Nausea, vomiting, stomach ache
- Joint or muscle pain
- Difficult to distinguish the taste of food or drink
- Dizzy
- Hair loss
- tingling
Check with your doctor if these side effects don't improve or get worse. See your doctor right away if you have an allergic reaction or serious side effects, such as:
- Infectious disease that can be characterized by symptoms such as fever, chills, sore throat, or thrush
- Nosebleeds that occur frequently and are difficult to stop or bruise easily
- Impaired liver function which can be characterized by symptoms such as dark urine, jaundice, or severe abdominal pain
- Impaired kidney function which can be characterized by symptoms such as, infrequent urination or urine that comes out very little
- Recently bleeding or difficulty breathing
In addition, this drug can also increase the risk of a decrease in the number of blood cells, causing low levels of white blood cells (leukopenia), aplastic anemia, or a low number of platelets (thrombocytopenia).