Propylthiouracil

About Propylthiouracil

This belongs to the group of medicines known as antithyroid agents.

An overactive thyroid gland produces too much thyroid hormone which causes a condition known as hyperthyroidism.

This can lead to symptoms such as fast or irregular heartbeat, sweating, mood swings, shaking, weight change, weakness, tiredness, intolerance of hot temperatures, worry, menstrual problems. Propylthiouracil is given as a medicine to correct this hormone imbalance.

Propylthiouracil is available in tablet form.

Before Taking Propylthiouracil

Before taking any of this medicine make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:

• if you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding
• if you suffer with liver or kidney problems
• if you suffer from bone marrow depression
• if you have ever had an allergic reaction to this or any other medicine
• if you are taking any other medicines, including those available to buy without a prescription, herbal and complementary medicines

How to Take Propylthiouracil

• Take this medicine exactly as directed by your doctor. You may be told to take a higher dose to start, then reduce as your thyroid levels become normal, but your doctor will work out the best dose for you.
• Propylthiouracil should be taken with a glass of water. The total daily dose may be taken in divided doses over the day or as a single daily dose.
• Try to get into the habit of taking this medicine at the same times each day to avoid missing any doses.
• If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember. Do not take two doses together. If it is almost time to take the next dose, wait until then and then carry on as before.
• Treatment with propylthiouracil may continue for up to two years.
• If you suspect that you or someone else has taken an overdose of propylthiouracil contact your doctor or go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital at once. Always take the container with you if possible, even if it is empty.
• This medicine is for you. Never give it to others even if their condition appears to be the same as yours.

Getting the most from your treatment

• Keep your regular appointments with your doctor. The dose that you are taking may need to be adjusted to suit your individual needs. Do not alter the amount you are taking without first consulting your doctor. Your doctor may also want you to undergo regular blood tests to keep a check on your condition.
• Before having any kind of surgery, including dental or emergency treatment, tell the doctor or dentist that you are taking propylthiouracil.
• Before having any medical tests, tell the doctor that you are taking this medicine. The results of some tests may be affected by propylthiouracil.

Can Propylthiouracil cause problems?

Along with their useful effects, all medicines can cause unwanted symptoms which usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine. Speak with your doctor if any of the following symptoms continue or become troublesome.

Feeling sick, headache, upset tummy, skin rash, itching, joint pain, jaundice (yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes) and occasionally muscle pain, hair loss.

IMPORTANT: Contact your doctor immediately if you develop an infection, a sore throat, mouth ulcers, a high temperature, unusual bruising or bleeding, or a general feeling of being unwell.

If you experience any other worrying symptoms which you think may be due to this medicine, discuss them with your doctor or pharmacist.

How to store Propylthiouracil

• Keep out of the reach of children.
• Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct light and heat.
• Do not keep any out of date or unwanted medicines. Discard them safely out of the reach of children or speak to your pharmacist who will dispose of them for you.

© EMIS and Cegedim Pharmacy Services Ltd 2005   Updated: 30/10/2003