Propylthiouracil

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How does it work?

Propylthiouracil is a medicine that is used to decrease the amount of thyroid hormones produced by the thyroid gland. Iodine is a chemical used by the thyroid gland in the formation of thyroid hormones. Iodine must be converted in the body to a useable form before it may be combined with other components to form thyroid hormones. Propylthiouracil acts to prevent the conversion of iodine to its useable form. Propylthiouracil also acts to block the combination of converted iodine with other components to form thyroid hormones. This results in a decreased production of thyroid hormones. Therefore, propylthiouracil is useful in the treatment of conditions where excessive amounts of thyroid hormones are being produced by the thyroid gland (hyperthyroidism). As propylthiouracil can only decrease the production of thyroid hormones after it is taken, it cannot immediately decrease the blood levels of previously produced thyroid hormones. Previously produced thyroid hormones must be used up by the body before the thyroid hormone blood levels may begin to decrease. This can take three to four weeks.

What is it used for?

- Hyperthyroidism

Warning!

- Your doctor may perform regular blood tests to monitor the composition of your blood while you are taking this medicine. You should let your doctor know if you experience symptoms such as a fever or sore throat.

Use with caution in

- Kidney failure
- Liver disease

Not to be used in

- Children under 6 years of age
- Previous, severe allergic reaction such as blood, liver or skin disorders

This medicine should not be used if you are allergic to one or any of its ingredients. Please inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have previously experienced such an allergy. If you feel you have experienced an allergic reaction, stop using this medicine and inform your doctor or pharmacist immediately.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Certain medicines should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding. However, other medicines may be safely used in pregnancy or breastfeeding providing the benefits to the mother outweigh the risks to the unborn baby. Always inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, before using any medicine.

- This medicine should be used with caution during pregnancy, and only if the expected benefit to the mother is greater than any possible risk to the foetus. Seek medical advice from your doctor.
- This medicine may pass into breast milk, but in such small quantities that it is unlikely to harm the baby. Seek medical advice from your doctor before breastfeeding.

Side effects

Medicines and their possible side effects can affect individual people in different ways. The following are some of the side effects that are known to be associated with this medicine. Because a side effect is stated here, it does not mean that all people using this medicine will experience that or any side effect.

- Blood disorders
- Skin rashes
- Joint pain (arthralgia)
- Yellowing of the skin and eyes (jaundice)
- Hair loss (alopecia)
- Fever (pyrexia)
- Inflammation of the liver (hepatitis)
- Itching (pruritis)
- Itchy rash (urticaria)
- Allergic skin reactions

The side effects listed above may not include all of the side effects reported by the drug's manufacturer. For more information about any other possible risks associated with this medicine, please read the information provided with the medicine or consult your doctor or pharmacist.

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