Propylthiouracil
About
Propylthiouracil belongs to the group of anti-thyroid drugs used in the treatment of overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism), Grave’s disease, thyrotoxicosis, and enlarged thyroid (toxic goitre). Propylthiouracil may also be used to lower very high levels of thyroid hormone prior to surgery or radioactive iodine treatment.
Propylthiouracil contains 'Propylthiouracil' that regulates the synthesis and release of thyroid hormones by mellowing down the activity of the thyroid gland.
Take Propylthiouracil as prescribed. In some cases, Propylthiouracil may cause side effects such as nausea, indigestion, headache, body pain or a mild rash. Most of these side effects do not require medical attention and will resolve gradually over time. However, you are advised to talk to your doctor if these side effects persist.
It is advisable to inform the doctor if you are allergic to any of the components of Propylthiouracil. Keep your doctor informed if you suffer from any autoimmune disorders, blood disorders or liver disease. Consult your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to get pregnant, or if you are breastfeeding. Propylthiouracil may cause dizziness, so drive only if you are alert.
Uses of Propylthiouracil
Medicinal Benefits
Propylthiouracil is an anti-thyroid drug used to treat hyperthyroidism and diseases that produce an overactive thyroid. It contains propylthiouracil. Propylthiouracil works by inhibiting the formation of new thyroid hormones, thereby regulating the amount of thyroid hormone in the body and slowing down the thyroid gland that was otherwise in overdrive. Hence, Propylthiouracil helps in treating and controlling the symptoms of excess thyroid hormone in the body, including anxiety, palpitation, a racing heartbeat, swelling in the neck (goitre), and weight loss. Propylthiouracil may also be used to lower very high levels of thyroid hormone prior to surgery or radioactive iodine treatment.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Propylthiouracil
- Nausea
- Stomach upset
- Vomiting
- Muscle pain
- Rash
- Hair loss
In-Depth Precautions and Warning
Drug Warnings
It is advisable to inform the doctor if you are allergic to any of the components of Propylthiouracil. Keep your doctor informed if you suffer from any autoimmune disorders, blood disorders or liver disease. Consult your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to get pregnant, or if you are breastfeeding. Inform your doctor if you have recently had any surgery or are about to undergo surgery or a dental procedure.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interactions: Propylthiouracil may interact with blood thinners (warfarin, coumadin), digitalis glycoside (digoxin), xanthines (theophylline, aminophylline), and mineral supplements containing iodine.
Drug-Food Interactions: No interactions found.
Drug-Disease Interactions: Propylthiouracil should be used with caution in patients with a known hypersensitivity disorder, HIV, liver disease, kidney disease or blood disorders such as agranulocytosis and thrombocytopenia.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
cautionNot enough studies exist to establish the effects of alcohol on Propylthiouracil. However, caution is advised. Please consult your doctor if you have any concerns.
Pregnancy
cautionPlease consult your doctor if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant. Your doctor will prescribe only if the benefits outweigh the risks.
Breast Feeding
safe if prescribedPropylthiouracil is safe if prescribed during breastfeeding. Please consult a doctor if you have any concerns.
Driving
cautionIf you experience any side effects of Propylthiouracil such as dizziness or drowsiness, do not drive.
Liver
cautionExercise caution before using Propylthiouracil in case of established liver disease. Please consult your doctor to address any concerns.
Kidney
safe if prescribedPropylthiouracil is probably safe on the kidney. Please consult your doctor to address any concerns.
Children
cautionPropylthiouracil is not recommended for use in children below 6 years of age. Please consult your doctor if you have any concerns.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Stick to a low-iodine diet to regulate the level of thyroid hormones in your body.
- Opt for non-iodised salt, tea, egg whites, honey, maple syrup, fresh fruits, potatoes, and cauliflower to lower the iodine levels in your diet.
- Make sure your intake of calcium, vitamin D, zinc, iron and selenium is adequate as these are very important in maintaining thyroid health. Have healthy fats, lean meats, green leafy vegetables and oily fish to regulate thyroid functioning.
- Limit alcohol and caffeine consumption and stop smoking as these may have a negative effect on health.
- One of the symptoms of hyperthyroidism is anxiety and stress. Keep your mind at peace by regularly practising meditation.
- Doing yoga can also be effective in controlling your thyroid hormones and keeping them in check.
Special Advise
- If you accidentally take extra doses of Propylthiouracil, please inform your doctor or go to a hospital immediately. Some of the symptoms of an overdose can be rash, itching, sudden hair loss, feeling sick, dizziness, mood changes, loss of taste, ear pain, blurring of vision, headache.
- Do not discontinue taking Propylthiouracil abruptly or without the advice of the physician.
- Please know that your doctor may order blood tests to check your tolerance and need of Propylthiouracil.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Hyperthyroidism: Hyperthyroidism refers to an overactive thyroid that pumps high levels of thyroid hormones into the body, leading to rapid heartbeat, weight loss, bulging eyes, sweating, anxiety, palpitations etc.
Grave’s disease: It is an autoimmune condition that produces hyperthyroidism.
Toxic goitre: It involves an enlarged thyroid gland with nodules and produces excess thyroid hormone.
Thyrotoxicosis: It is a condition in which the thyroid hormone levels are dangerously high.
FAQs
Propylthiouracil works by inhibiting the production of new thyroid hormone and quietening an overactive thyroid gland.
No, Propylthiouracil is strictly not recommended in case of hypothyroidism as Propylthiouracil is an anti-thyroid drug.
In case you have missed a dose, take the missed dose as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for the second dose, simply resume your regimen with the following dose. Do not take a double dose in any case.
Protruding eyes can be caused by hyperthyroidism because the skin around the eyes gets inflamed due to overstimulation by an excess of thyroid hormones circulating in the body and hence it bulges, creating the effect of protruding eyes.
Not enough studies exist to explain the effects of Propylthiouracil on fertility. Please consult your doctor in case of any concerns or if you are trying to conceive.
