Table of Contents
What is propylthiouracil used for?
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.
What is the side effect of propylthiouracil?
SIDE EFFECTS: Stomach upset, nausea, vomiting, mild rash/itching, or headache may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.
How does propylthiouracil work in the body?
Propylthiouracil is an antithyroid medicine. It works by making it harder for the body to use iodine to make thyroid hormone. It does not block the effects of thyroid hormone that was made by the body before its use was begun. This medicine is available only with your doctor’s prescription.
What is the indication of propylthiouracil?
Propylthiouracil tablets, USP are indicated: in patients with Graves’ disease with hyperthyroidism or toxic multinodular goiter who are intolerant of methimazole and for whom surgery or radioactive iodine therapy is not an appropriate treatment option.
Does propylthiouracil cross placenta?
Propylthiouracil (PTU) is widely believed to cross the placenta less freely than methimazole (MMI) and is therefore regarded as the preferred drug for treatment of hyperthyroidism in pregnancy. Clinical studies comparing the two drugs show, however, no differences in maternal or fetal thyroid function.
Is propylthiouracil an immunosuppressant?
Levothyroxine used to treat an underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism) and antithyroid drugs (carbimazole and propylthiouracil) used to treat an overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism) do not suppress your immune system.
What foods should I avoid if I have hyperthyroidism?
A person with hyperthyroidism should avoid eating excessive amounts of iodine-rich foods, such as:
- iodized salt.
- fish and shellfish.
- seaweed or kelp.
- dairy products.
- iodine supplements.
- food products containing red dye.
- egg yolks.
- blackstrap molasses.
Can a pregnant woman take propylthiouracil?
‘ Results: Antithyroid drugs are the main therapy for maternal hyperthyroidism. Both methimazole (MMI) and propylthiouracil (PTU) may be used during pregnancy; however, PTU is preferred in the first trimester and should be replaced by MMI after this trimester.
Why is methimazole preferred over propylthiouracil?
Methimazole — Methimazole is usually preferred over propylthiouracil because it reverses hyperthyroidism more quickly and has fewer side effects. Methimazole requires an average of six weeks to lower T4 levels to normal and is often given before radioactive iodine treatment.
What autoimmune disease is primarily treated with propylthiouracil?
Propylthiouracil is the most common drug used to treat hyperthyroidism.
Can hyperthyroidism just go away?
Hyperthyroidism typically does not go away on its own. Most people need treatment to make hyperthyroidism go away. After treatment, many people develop hypothyroidism (too little thyroid hormone).