propylthiouracil Health Article

What should I avoid while taking propylthiouracil?

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 are the possible side effects of 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).

Other less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to take propylthiouracil, and contact your doctor if you experience any of the following side effects:

• headache;

• nausea or vomiting;

• skin rash or itching; or

• muscle aches or pains.

Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

What other drugs will affect propylthiouracil?

Before taking propylthiouracil, tell your doctor if you are taking any of the following medicines:

• warfarin (Coumadin);

• theophylline (Theo-Dur, Theochron, Elixophyllin, others);

• digoxin (Lanoxin); or

• acebutolol (Sectral), carvedilol (Coreg), labetalol (Normodyne, Trandate), metoprolol (Lopressor, Toprol XL), penbutolol (Levatol), pindolol (Visken), propranolol (Inderal, InnoPran XL), or timolol (Blocadren).

You may not be able to take propylthiouracil, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you are taking any of the medicines listed above.

Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with propylthiouracil. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines, including vitamins, minerals and herbal products.

Where can I get more information?

Your pharmacist has more information about propylthiouracil written for health professionals that you may read.

What does my medication look like?

Propylthiouracil is available with a prescription as a generic product. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about this medication, especially if it is new to you.

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.