Propylthiouracil

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Propylthiouracil Prescription Drug Information

Propylthiouracil (By mouth)
Propylthiouracil (proe-pil-thye-oh-URE-a-sil)

Treats Graves' disease and hyperthyroidism (too much thyroid hormone from the thyroid gland) in patients who have already been treated with other medicines (such as methimazole) that did not work well.

Brand Name(s):
There may be other brand names for Propylthiouracil.

When Propylthiouracil Should Not Be Used:
You should not use Propylthiouracil if you have had an allergic reaction to propylthiouracil, or if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

How to Use Propylthiouracil:
Tablet

• Your doctor will tell you how much of Propylthiouracil to use and how often. Do not use more medicine or use it more often than your doctor tells you to.
• It is best to take propylthiouracil at the same time each day. If you take more than one tablet every day, try to take the medicine at evenly spaced intervals, such as every 12 hours if you take it two times a day, or every 8 hours if you take it three times a day.

If a dose of Propylthiouracil is missed:

• If you miss a dose or forget to use your medicine, use it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then to use the medicine and skip the missed dose. Do not use extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

How to Store and Dispose of Propylthiouracil:

• Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.
• Ask your pharmacist, doctor, or health caregiver about the best way to dispose of any leftover medicine after you have finished your treatment. You will also need to throw away old medicine after the expiration date has passed.
• Keep all medicine away from children and never share your medicine with anyone.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid While Taking Propylthiouracil:
Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• Make sure your doctor knows if you are also using amiodarone (Cordarone®), certain blood pressure medicine (such as atenolol, metoprolol, propranolol, Inderal®, or Toprol®), potassium supplements, a blood thinner (such as warfarin, Coumadin®), theophylline (Theo-Dur®), or digoxin (Lanoxin®).
• Talk to your doctor before getting any vaccines (such as flu shots). Also, other people living in your home should not get oral polio vaccine while you are using Propylthiouracil. There is a chance they could pass on the polio virus to you.

Warnings While Using Propylthiouracil:

• Using Propylthiouracil while you are pregnant can harm your unborn baby. Use an effective form of birth control to keep from getting pregnant. If you think you have become pregnant while using the medicine, tell your doctor right away.
• Make sure your doctor knows if you have liver disease.
• It may take several days or weeks for propylthiouracil to start working. Do not stop using the medicine without talking to your doctor.
• Propylthiouracil lowers the number of some types of blood cells in your body. Because of this, you may bleed or get infections more easily. To help with these problems, avoid being near people who are sick or have infections. Wash your hands often. Stay away from rough sports or other situations where you could be bruised, cut, or injured. Brush and floss your teeth gently. Be careful when using sharp objects, including razors and fingernail clippers.
• Liver problems may occur with Propylthiouracil. Stop using Propylthiouracil and check with your doctor right away if you are having more than one of these symptoms: right upper abdominal or stomach pain or tenderness; clay-colored stools; dark urine; decreased appetite; fever; headache; itching; loss of appetite; nausea and vomiting; skin rash; swelling of the feet or lower legs; unusual tiredness or weakness; or yellow eyes or skin.
• Make sure any doctor or dentist who treats you knows that you are using Propylthiouracil. You may need to stop using Propylthiouracil several days before having surgery or medical tests.
• Your doctor will need to check your progress at regular visits while you are using Propylthiouracil. Be sure to keep all appointments. Blood tests may be needed to check for unwanted effects.

Possible Side Effects While Using Propylthiouracil:
Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing.
• Changes in menstrual periods.
• Cough or sore throat.
• Dark-colored urine or pale stools.
• Dry, puffy skin.
• Mouth sores.
• Nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, or pain in your upper stomach.
• Severe fever or chills, or fever that lasts longer than 2 days.
• Skin rash or itching.
• Swelling in your neck (thyroid).
• Unexplained bleeding or bruising.
• Unusual weakness.
• Yellowing of your skin or the whites of your eyes.

If you notice these less serious side effects while taking Propylthiouracil, talk with your doctor:

• Headache.

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by Propylthiouracil, tell your doctor.
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088