Propylthiouracil

Propylthiouracil is used to treat hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid), Graves' disease, or toxic goiter (enlarged thyroid). propylthiouracil is sometimes given to help manage symptoms right before you have thyroid surgery or treatment with radioactive iodine.

Propylthiouracil may also be used for reasons not mentioned in this medication guide.

Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Your doctor may sometimes change your dose. Use the medicine exactly as directed.

Propylthiouracil is typically taken 3 times per day.

You will need frequent blood tests to monitor your thyroid.

Call your doctor if you notice unusual bruising or bleeding, or signs of infection (fever, chills, sore throat).

Inform your doctor if you have a scheduled surgery.

Store at room temperature, away from moisture and heat.

Propylthiouracil can lead to serious or life-threatening liver issues. Stop taking propylthiouracil and contact your doctor immediately if you experience upper stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, fever, itching, tiredness, dark urine, clay-colored stools, or yellowing of your skin or eyes.

You should not use propylthiouracil if you are allergic to it.

Tell your doctor if you have ever had liver problems.

In very rare cases, propylthiouracil has caused liver failure and death in pregnant women during the second or third trimester of pregnancy. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

Tell your doctor if you are breastfeeding.

Propylthiouracil may cause liver failure in children, but is sometimes used in children who cannot be treated with other medications. Do not give this medicine to a child without your doctor's advice.

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction (hives, trouble breathing, swelling in your face or throat) or a severe skin reaction (fever, sore throat, burning eyes, skin pain, red or purple skin rash with blistering and peeling).

Propylthiouracil can cause liver damage (especially during the first 6 months of treatment). Liver failure can be fatal or may require a liver transplant. Stop taking propylthiouracil and call your doctor right away if you have signs of liver damage:

• nausea, vomiting, upper stomach pain;
• itching;
• fever, tiredness;
• loss of appetite;
• dark urine, clay-colored stools; or
• jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes).

Also call your doctor at once if you have:

• fever, chills, sore throat, mouth sores, feeling light-headed;
• unusual bleeding;
• purple or red discoloration of your skin;
• skin rash, skin pain or swelling;
• pink or dark urine, foamy urine, little or no urination;
• shortness of breath, or if you cough up blood; or
• new or worsening symptoms of lupus--joint pain, and a skin rash on your cheeks or arms that worsens in sunlight.

Common side effects of propylthiouracil may include:

• nausea, vomiting, stomach pain;
• itching or tingling, nerve pain;
• joint or muscle pain;
• swollen glands;
• headache, drowsiness, dizziness;
• swelling in your hands or feet;
• decreased sense of taste; or
• hair loss.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Take the medicine as soon as you can, but if it's almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose. Do not take two doses at one time.

Get your prescription refilled before you completely run out of medicine.

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

Overdose symptoms may include fever, chills, itching, upset stomach, nausea, vomiting, swelling, headache, or joint pain.

Avoid driving or hazardous activity until you know how propylthiouracil will affect you. Your reactions could be impaired.

Tell your doctor about all your other medicines, especially:

• digoxin (digitalis);
• theophylline;
• heart or blood pressure medication; or
• a blood thinner--warfarin, Coumadin, Jantoven.

This list is not complete. Other drugs may affect propylthiouracil, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible drug interactions are listed here.