Propylthiouracil

Pronunciation

Canadian/Mexican Brand Names

Therapeutic Categories

What is this medicine used for?

• Early treatment of the over active thyroid gland and thyrotoxic crisis.

How does it work?

• Prevents further production of thyroid hormones.

How is it best taken?

• Take the tablet with food.
• Take a regular intervals around-the-clock.

What do I do if I miss a dose?

• Take a missed dose as soon as possible.
• If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed one. Return to your regular schedule.
• Do not take a double dose or extra doses.

What are the precautions when taking this medicine?

• If you are taking warfarin talk with healthcare provider.
• Tell healthcare provider if you are allergic to any medicine. Make sure to tell about the allergy and how it affected you. This includes telling about rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of face, lips, tongue, throat; or any other symptoms involved.
• Do not use in pregnancy and do not get pregnant. Use birth control that you can trust during and for 1 month after therapy.

What are the common side effects of this medicine?

• Side effects are rare.
• Nausea and vomiting. Small frequent meals, frequent mouth care, sucking hard candy, or chewing gum may help.

What should I monitor?

• Ask healthcare provider about checking baby's thyroid function if you are using this medicine and breast-feeding.
• Check blood work. Talk with healthcare provider.
• If you are taking warfarin check INR every week until stable.
• Follow up with healthcare provider.

Reasons to call healthcare provider immediately

• Signs of a life-threatening reaction. These include wheezing; tightness in the chest; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; fits; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat.
• Fever or sore throat.
• Unusual bleeding or bruising.
• Nausea/vomiting, belly pain, feeling tired, dark urine, yellow eyes or skin, not hungry.
• Any rash.

How should I store this medicine?

• Store in a tight container at room temperature.

General statements

• Do not share your medicine with others and do not take anyone else's medicine.
• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children and pets.
• Keep a list of all your medicines (prescription, herbal/supplements, vitamins, over-the-counter) with you. Give this list to healthcare provider (doctor, nurse, pharmacist, physician assistant)
• Talk with healthcare provider before starting any new medicine, including over-the-counter or natural products (herbs, vitamins).

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