Propylthiouracil is used to treat an overactive thyroid gland by reducing the formation of thyroid hormones.
This medicine may also be used to prepare for the surgical removal of the thyroid, or in addition to treatment with radioactive iodine.
Take Propylthiouracil exactly as directed by your doctor or according to the instructions on the label. Do not take more or less than instructed by your doctor.
Take it together with food or immediately after a meal. Try to take it at the same time each day.
Propylthiouracil must be taken regularly for it to be effective. Continue taking this medicine even when you feel better. Do not stop taking it unless instructed by the doctor.
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your normal dosing schedule.
DO NOT double a dose under any circumstances.
If you often forget to take your medicine, let your doctor and pharmacist know.
Inform your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- liver disease
- kidney disease
Let your doctor know if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Be sure to check with your doctor or pharmacist before giving this medicine to a child. Children may be more sensitive to the side effects.
If you are going to have an operation, including minor surgery and dental work, inform your doctor or dentist that you are taking Propylthiouracil.
Keep your appointments with your doctor. Your doctor needs to monitor your condition and check your response to the medication regularly. Regular monitoring of thyroid hormone levels, blood levels, liver function and skin reactions may also be needed. Your doctor will advise you about how often you need to have these tests.
Propylthiouracil may cause any of the following side effects: nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, taste disorders (e.g. loss of taste, metallic taste), hair loss, hearing problems, muscle pain, joint pain, fever, headache, drowsiness, rash and skin pigmentation.
This medicine may cause the level of your red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets to drop.
Red blood cells carry oxygen around your body. A fall in the level of red blood cells may make you feel tired and worn out.
White blood cells help your body to fight infections. A fall in the level of your white blood cells may put you at higher risk for infections, such as coughs, colds and flu, which may lead to more serious infections. Avoid crowded places and people who are sick. Alert your doctor if you have a fever, or a cough or flu that does not go away.
Platelets help your blood to clot when there is a cut in the skin. A fall in the level of your platelets may put you at risk of bleeding more than usual. Do not take part in activities where you may fall or get injured, such as contact sports. Inform your doctor if you get any unusual bruising (large bruises or several bruises, especially if the bruises appeared on their own) or bleeding that takes a long time to stop (for example, too much bleeding when you floss or brush your teeth).
Some side effects may need immediate medical help. Alert your doctor quickly if you experience any of the following:
- yellowing of the skin or eyes, abdominal pain, dark coloured urine, tiredness, swelling in the legs and ankles
- rashes with peeling of the skin or blistering of the lips, mouth or eyes accompanied by fever
Inform your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or are severe, or if you experience other side effects.
Inform your doctor and pharmacists if you are taking any of these medicines:
- blood-thinning medicines e.g. warfarin
- medicines for heart disease e.g. digoxin
- medicines for high blood pressure e.g. atenolol
- theophylline (medicine for asthma)
This list does not include all medicines that may interact with Propylthiouracil.
Always notify your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal tonics such as traditional Chinese medicines, supplements and medicines you buy without a prescription.
Avoid alcohol.
Store in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children.
Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.