propylthiouracil Health Article

Generic name(s):

propylthiouracil

Brand name(s):

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

In rare cases, propylthiouracil has caused serious liver problems. Notify your doctor immediately if you develop abdominal pain, nausea, loss of appetite, yellowing of the skin or eyes, light-colored stools, or dark-colored urine. These symptoms may be early signs of liver problems.

Rarely, propylthiouracil can affect the blood causing decreased levels of red and white blood cells and platelets. This may cause an increased risk of infection, serious bleeding, anemia, and other problems. Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience signs of infection such as fever, sore throat, coughing, or painful or difficult urination (may indicate low white blood cells); such as unusual bleeding or bruising, pinpoint red spots on the skin, nosebleeds, black, bloody, or tarry stools, or blood in urine (may indicate low platelets); or unusual tiredness or weakness (may indicate low red blood cells).

Propylthiouracil can lower the activity of the immune system making you susceptible to infections. Avoid contact with people who have colds, the flu, or other contagious illnesses and do not receive vaccines that contain live strains of a virus (e.g., live oral polio vaccine) during treatment with propylthiouracil. In addition, avoid contact with individuals who have recently been vaccinated with a live vaccine. There is a chance that the virus can be passed on to you.

What is propylthiouracil?

Propylthiouracil prevents the thyroid gland from producing too much thyroid hormone.

Propylthiouracil is used to treat hyperthyroidism (over-active thyroid).

Propylthiouracil may also be used for purposes other than those listed here.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking propylthiouracil?

Before taking propylthiouracil, tell your doctor if you have

• liver problems; or

• a blood disorder.

You may not be able to take propylthiouracil, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment.

Propylthiouracil is in the FDA pregnancy category D. This means that propylthiouracil is known to be harmful to an unborn baby. Do not use propylthiouracil without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant or could become pregnant during treatment. Discuss with your doctor the appropriate use of birth control during treatment with propylthiouracil if necessary. Propylthiouracil passes into breast milk and may affect a nursing baby. Do not take propylthiouracil without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How should I take propylthiouracil?

Take propylthiouracil exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.

Take each dose with a full glass of water.

Propylthiouracil can be taken with or without food.

It is important to take propylthiouracil regularly to get the most benefit.

Do not stop taking propylthiouracil without first talking to your doctor, even if you feel well. You may need to take this medication continually to control the condition being treated. Stopping the medication could lead to a return of symptoms.

Your doctor may want you to have blood tests or other medical evaluations during treatment with propylthiouracil to monitor progress and side effects.

Store propylthiouracil at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and take only the next regularly scheduled dose. Do not take a double dose of this medication.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention if an overdose is suspected.

Symptoms of a propylthiouracil overdose may include nausea, vomiting, headache, joint pain, fever, itching, rash, numbness or tingling, liver problems, blood problems, and others.