Propylthiouracil
Propylthiouracil (proe pil thye oh YOOR a sil) is a generic medication prescribed for overactive thyroid in certain adults and children. Propylthiouracil belongs to a group of drugs called antithyroid medications.
Propylthiouracil (proe pil thye oh YOOR a sil) is a generic medication prescribed for overactive thyroid in certain adults and children. Propylthiouracil belongs to a group of drugs called antithyroid medications.
- Generic
- • Tablet
- • 50mg
- • 90 Tablets
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Intro
Introduction
Written by Amber Watson, PharmD
Medically reviewed by Brittany A. Duke, PharmD, RPh
Updated on September 26, 2023
Propylthiouracil (proe pil thye oh YOOR a sil) is a generic medication prescribed for overactive thyroid in certain adults and children. Propylthiouracil belongs to a group of drugs called antithyroid medications.
Boxed warning: Risk of serious liver damage
Propylthiouracil oral tablet has a boxed warning about the risk of serious liver damage. Boxed warnings are the most serious warnings from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
For details, see the “Interactions and warnings for propylthiouracil” section.
Side effects
Side effects of propylthiouracil
Propylthiouracil may cause mild or serious side effects. More common mild side effects of propylthiouracil and its serious side effects are listed below. This article doesn’t include all possible side effects of the drug. Side effects can vary based on your age, overall health, and any other medications you take.
Keep in mind that side effects of propylthiouracil weren’t evaluated in studies. This is because the drug has been available since before studies were required by the Food and Drug Administration. The side effects listed below have occurred in people after the drug was approved for use.
To learn more about propylthiouracil’s side effects, ask your doctor or pharmacist. You can also refer to the prescribing information for propylthiouracil listed in the “Resources” section.
Mild side effects
More common mild side effects reported with some forms of propylthiouracil are listed below.
This article doesn’t include all possible mild side effects of the drug. To learn more about propylthiouracil’s side effects based on the form, refer to the prescribing information for propylthiouracil listed in the “Resources” section.
With many drugs, mild side effects may go away within a few days or a couple of weeks. If the side effects are bothersome, tell your doctor or pharmacist. They may be able to suggest ways to manage them.
Propylthiouracil oral tablet’s mild side effects include:
- digestive side effects, such as nausea and vomiting
- headache
- joint or muscle pain
- skin rash or hives
- mild allergic reaction*
* For details about this side effect, see the “Interactions and warnings for propylthiouracil” section.
Serious side effects
Serious side effects of propylthiouracil are listed below.
This article doesn’t include all possible serious side effects of the drug. To learn more about propylthiouracil’s side effects, refer to the prescribing information for propylthiouracil listed in the “Resources” section.
With many drugs, serious side effects are possible but not common. If you have serious side effects from this drug, call your doctor right away. If you’re having severe symptoms or a medical emergency, call 911 or a local emergency number.
In general, propylthiouracil’s serious side effects include:
- inflammation (swelling) of the blood vessels
- kidney damage
- low level of prothrombin (a protein found in blood), which may cause bleeding
- low levels of certain blood cells, including red blood cells and platelets
- lupus-like syndrome (a condition that causes symptoms similar to lupus)
- severe skin reactions, such as swollen, painful, and discolored lumps on the legs
- temporary fever
- underactive thyroid
- boxed warning: risk of serious liver damage*
- severe allergic reaction*
* For details about this side effect, see the “Interactions and warnings for propylthiouracil” section.
FAQ
Common questions about propylthiouracil
Below you’ll find answers to a few commonly asked questions about propylthiouracil.
What brand names are available for propylthiouracil?
Propylthiouracil oral tablet isn’t available as a brand-name drug. It’s only available as a generic medication. A generic medication is an identical copy of the active drug in a brand-name medication. (An active drug is the ingredient that makes a medication work.) Generic drugs are believed to be as effective and safe as brand-name drugs. And generic drugs typically cost less compared to brand-name drugs.
If you have questions about this, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
How does propylthiouracil work? And how long does it take to start working?
Propylthiouracil is used for overactive thyroid in certain adults and children. Its mechanism of action (how it works) is to lower the amount of thyroid hormone made by your thyroid gland. (A hormone is a chemical that carries messages to other cells in the body.) As a result, the drug helps ease symptoms of an overactive thyroid.
It may take several weeks for your thyroid hormone levels to reach a healthy range after starting propylthiouracil treatment. Your doctor will check your thyroid hormone levels with a blood test. These test results will help them determine whether the drug is working for your condition.
If you’d like to know more about this, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
Is propylthiouracil similar to carbimazole?
Yes, propylthiouracil is similar to carbimazole. Both drugs are antithyroid medications used for overactive thyroid. But unlike propylthiouracil, carbimazole isn’t approved for use in the United States.
If you have more questions about how propylthiouracil compares with carbimazole, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
Interactions and warnings
Interactions and warnings for propylthiouracil
Below, you’ll find information about propylthiouracil’s possible interactions and warnings.
Interactions of propylthiouracil
Certain things may affect how a drug works. These include getting vaccines, consuming alcohol or certain foods, or taking the drug with other medications. This effect is called a drug interaction.
Before you take propylthiouracil, ask your doctor to check for possible interactions. Be sure to tell them about any of the following you take or use:
- prescription or over-the-counter drugs
- vitamins, herbs, or supplements
To learn about drug-condition interactions, see the “Warnings for propylthiouracil” section below.
Warnings for propylthiouracil
Propylthiouracil should be taken cautiously by certain people.
Boxed warning: Risk of serious liver damage
Propylthiouracil has a boxed warning about the risk of liver damage. Boxed warnings are the most serious warnings from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
With liver damage, you may have liver problems such as hepatitis or liver failure. In extreme cases, liver damage may lead to a liver transplant or be life threatening. This side effect was not reported in studies of propylthiouracil but has occurred in adults and children after the drug was approved for use. Keep in mind that side effects of propylthiouracil weren’t evaluated in studies. This is because the drug has been available since before studies were required by the FDA.
Symptoms may include loss of appetite, itching, and pain in the right side of your upper abdomen.
Due to this risk, doctors only prescribe propylthiouracil in certain situations. (For details, see the “Uses of propylthiouracil” section.)
If you have symptoms of liver damage during treatment, tell your doctor right away. They’ll likely stop the drug and order blood tests to check for liver damage. Your doctor will recommend what to do next if you’re found to have liver damage from propylthiouracil.
To learn more, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
Other warnings
Propylthiouracil could cause harm to people with certain health conditions. This effect is called a drug-condition interaction. Other factors can also affect whether propylthiouracil is a safe option for you.
Ask your doctor about specific warnings for propylthiouracil, and be sure to tell your doctor about your:
- current health, including any allergies to medications
- past health conditions or surgeries
Allergic reaction
Propylthiouracil can cause an allergic reaction in some people. Severe allergic reactions are rare but possible.
If you’ve had an allergic reaction to propylthiouracil or any of its ingredients, your doctor will likely not prescribe propylthiouracil. They can tell you about medications that are safer options for you.
A mild allergic reaction may cause the following symptoms:
A severe allergic reaction may cause the following symptoms:
- swelling under your skin, usually in your hands, feet, eyelids, or lips
- swelling of your mouth, throat, or tongue, which can cause breathing problems
If you have an allergic reaction to propylthiouracil, call your doctor right away. If you have severe symptoms, call 911 or a local emergency number.
Overdose of propylthiouracil
You should not take more propylthiouracil than your doctor prescribes. For some drugs, doing so may lead to harmful effects or overdose.
If you think you’ve taken too much propylthiouracil, call your doctor or pharmacist right away. Or you could call 800-222-1222 to speak with someone at America’s Poison Centers. You can also use its online resource. If you have concerning symptoms, call 911 or a local emergency number immediately. You can also go to the closest emergency room.
Pregnancy or breastfeeding and propylthiouracil
Information about propylthiouracil and pregnancy and breastfeeding is described below.
Propylthiouracil and pregnancy
There are risks to taking propylthiouracil during pregnancy. But there are also risks with having an overactive thyroid that’s untreated while pregnant. (Keep in mind that propylthiouracil is used for treating overactive thyroid.)
If you’re planning a pregnancy or can become pregnant, talk with your doctor about treatment options for overactive thyroid during pregnancy. Together, you can discuss the risks and benefits of your treatment options and decide whether or not you should take propylthiouracil during pregnancy.
Propylthiouracil and breastfeeding
It’s not known whether propylthiouracil should be taken while breastfeeding. If you’re currently breastfeeding or planning to do so, talk with your doctor before taking this medication.
Uses
Uses of propylthiouracil
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves prescription drugs such as propylthiouracil for certain conditions. Approved uses for propylthiouracil are described below.
Use for overactive thyroid
Doctors may prescribe propylthiouracil oral tablet for treating overactive thyroid. It’s used for this purpose in adults (studies have not yet been done to determine the safety of this drug in children). Due to the risk of liver damage, propylthiouracil is only prescribed in certain situations.*
Specifically, propylthiouracil may be used as a long-term treatment for Graves’ disease with overactive thyroid or goiter. It’s used when this condition cannot be treated with other options, including methimazole, surgery to remove the thyroid, and radioactive iodine. (Methimazole is another antithyroid medication used for overactive thyroid.)
Propylthiouracil may also be used as a short-term treatment for overactive thyroid before surgery or treatment with radioactive iodine. It’s used when this condition cannot be treated with methimazole.
With an overactive thyroid, your thyroid gland makes more thyroid hormones than your body needs. (A hormone is a chemical that carries messages to other cells in the body.) This can lead to symptoms such as sweating, weight loss, and anxiety or nervousness.
* The drug has a boxed warning for the risk of liver damage. A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the FDA. For more details, see the “Interactions and warnings for propylthiouracil” section.
Ask your doctor
What to ask your doctor
Let your doctor know if you have questions about propylthiouracil or would like more details about it.
Here’s a list of some possible questions you may want to ask your doctor:
- What drug interactions should I avoid when taking propylthiouracil?
- Are there any alternative medications that I can take for my condition?
- Will I take propylthiouracil with other treatments for my condition?
Resources
Resources
- Food and Drug Administration. (2023). Orange Book: Approved drug products with therapeutic equivalence evaluations. https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cder/ob/index.cfm
- Propylthiouracil – propylthiouracil tablet. (2023). https://nctr-crs.fda.gov/fdalabel/services/spl/set-ids/a251e4cb-01f1-4fd8-bd30-362126b85073/spl-doc
Disclaimer: Optum Perks has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.
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