What is propylthiouracil (PTU)?
PROPYLTHIOURACIL (PTU) (proe pill thye oh YOOR a sill) lowers the amount of thyroid hormone made by the thyroid gland. It treats hyperthyroidism (where the thyroid gland makes too much hormone). It also is used before thyroid surgery or radioactive iodine treatment.
When should I Call my doctor if I am taking propylthiouracil?
If you are taking propylthiouracil, call your doctor immediately if you develop any of the following symptoms: fever, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, tiredness, itching, dark urine, pale or light colored stools, yellowing of the skin or eyes, or pain in the upper right part of the stomach.
How does propylthiouracil treat hyperthyroidism?
Propylthiouracil is used to treat an overactive thyroid gland ( hyperthyroidism ). When the thyroid gland is overactive it makes too much of a hormone called thyroxine. The extra thyroxine causes many of the body's functions to speed up. This can lead to symptoms such as losing weight, excessive sweating, feeling irritable or shaky, and diarrhoea.
What are the side effects of propylthiouracil?
This is because propylthiouracil can occasionally cause serious liver problems. Propylthiouracil should have some effect on your symptoms around three to four weeks after treatment starts. Your thyroid hormone levels should be stabilised within four to eight weeks. Continue to take the tablets for as long as you are advised to do so by your doctor.
What is propylthiouracil used for?
Propylthiouracil is an anti-thyroid drug used in the management of Graves disease and hyperthyroidism. This activity will highlight the mechanism of action, adverse event profile, and other key factors (e.g., dosing, pharmacodynamics, pharmacokinetics, monitoring, relevant interactions) of propylthiouracil pertinent for members of the healthcare team in the treatment of patients with hyperthyroidism and related conditions.
How much propylthiouracil is in a tablet?
The available propylthiouracil tablet has 50 mg of the drug, and storage should be at room temperature. The dosage is as follows:
What is the term for pituitary adenomas, thyroid hyperplasia, and carcinoma after?
Carcinogenesis: pituitary adenomas, thyroid hyperplasia, and carcinoma after more than one year of continuous PTU usage.
What is the drug name for thiocarbamide?
Propylthiouracil (thiocarbamide) is an antithyroid drug. The drug is a common therapeutic choice for the following:
What drugs are used to treat hyperthyroidism?
Beta-blockers, digitalis, and theophylline: Patients with hyperthyroidism demonstrate an increased clearance of these drugs. When the patient becomes euthyroid, a decrease in the dose of beta-blockers and theophylline is required.
Is PTU safe for nursing?
Breastfeeding: PTU is excreted in breast milk in small amounts and delivered to infants. There are no clear-cut recommendations for its use in nursing. (AAP suggests it is compatible with nursing while AAFP says it is safe with nursing). [8]
Can PTU be used for liver impairment?
Hepatobiliary disease: PTU causes liver injury; hence, it is not used in patients with liver impairment. However, the manufacturer's label does not require dosage adjustment.
How should I use this medicine?
Take this medicine by mouth. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Take your doses at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed. Do not stop taking except on your doctor's advice.
Who gives you the MedGuide?
A special MedGuide will be given to you by the pharmacist with each prescription and refill. Be sure to read this information carefully each time.
What should I watch for while using this medicine?
It may take time for your condition to improve. You will need tests to check your blood counts and to make sure your body is making the right amount of thyroid hormone.
What are the conditions that a doctor needs to know about a patient with liver disease?
They need to know if you have any of these conditions: liver disease. low blood counts, like low white cell counts. an unusual or allergic reaction to propylthiouracil, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives. pregnant or trying to get pregnant. breast-feeding.
Should women inform their doctor if they want to become pregnant?
Women should inform their doctor if they wish to become pregnant or think they might be pregnant. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist for more information.
How to take propylthiouracil?
Swallow your doses with a drink of water. Propylthiouracil tablets can be taken either with or without food. Try to take your tablets around the same times of day each day. This will help you to remember to take propylthiouracil regularly.
What is propylthiouracil used for?
Tablets. Propylthiouracil is used to treat an overactive thyroid gland ( hyperthyroidism ). When the thyroid gland is overactive it makes too much of a hormone called thyroxine. The extra thyroxine causes many of the body's functions to speed up.
What to do if you buy a medicine?
If you buy any medicines, check with a pharmacist that they are safe to take with your other medicines. If you are having an operation or dental treatment, tell the person carrying out the treatment which medicines you are taking. This medicine is for you.
What does it feel like to take a pill?
Pain in your tummy (abdomen). Any yellowing of your skin or the whites of your eyes (jaundice). Generally feeling unwell. If you experience any other symptoms which you think may be due to the tablets, speak with your doctor or pharmacist for further advice.
Can propylthiouracil cause liver problems?
You will need to have blood tests from time to time to check that you are on the correct dose and that your liver is working well. This is because propylthiouracil can occasionally cause serious liver ...
Can propylthiouracil cause stomach upset?
You will need to have regular blood tests. The most common side-effects include stomach upset , aches and pains, a mild itchy rash, and changes to the way some things taste.
Can you take propylthiouracil while pregnant?
For these reasons, before you start taking propylthiouracil it is important that your doctor knows: If you are pregnant or breastfeeding (even though propylthiouracil could still be prescribed for you). If you have any problems with the way your liver works, or if you have any problems with the way your kidneys work.
What is the purpose of propylthiouracil?
Propylthiouracil is used to treat hyperthyroidism (a condition that occurs when the thyroid gland produces too much thyroid hormone, speeding the body's metabolism, and causing certain symptoms) in adults and children 6 years of age or older. Propylthiouracil is in a class of medications called antithyroid agents. It works by stopping the thyroid gland from making thyroid hormone.
What are the symptoms of taking propylthiouracil?
If you are taking propylthiouracil, call your doctor immediately if you develop any of the following symptoms: fever, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, tiredness, itching, dark urine, pale or light colored stools, yellowing of the skin or eyes, or pain in the upper right part of the stomach.
What is the phone number to call for poison control?
In case of overdose, call the poison control helpline at 1-800-222-1222. Information is also available online at https://www.poisonhelp.org/help. If the victim has collapsed, had a seizure, has trouble breathing, or can't be awakened, immediately call emergency services at 911.
Where to report adverse events?
If you experience a serious side effect, you or your doctor may send a report to the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online ( http://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch) or by phone (1-800-332-1088).
Does propylthiouracil cause numbness?
Propylthiouracil may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away: hair loss. difficulty tasting food. numbness, burning, or tingling of the hands or feet. joint or muscle pain. dizziness. swelling of the neck. Some side effects can be serious.
Can propylthiouracil cause liver problems?
Propylthiouracil may cause severe liver problems in pregnant women and may harm the fetus. if you are having surgery, including dental surgery, tell the doctor or dentist that you are taking propylthiouracil.
Can you take more or less propylthiouracil?
Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor. Your doctor may decrease your dose of propylthiouracil once your condition is controlled. Continue to take propylthiouracil even if you feel well. Do not stop taking propylthiouracil without talking to your doctor.