Propylthiouracil

What is PROPYLTHIOURACIL?

(PROPYLTHIOURACIL) Propylthiouracil is used to treat overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism). It works by stopping the thyroid gland from making too much thyroid hormone. This medication is not recommended for use in children.

How should I use PROPYLTHIOURACIL?

Read the Medication Guide provided by your pharmacist before you start taking propylthiouracil and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist. Take this medication by mouth with or without food as directed by your doctor, usually 3 times a day (every 8 hours). Dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment. Take this medication exactly as directed. Do not increase your dose or take it more often than prescribed. Your condition will not improve faster, and your risk of side effects will increase. Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, take it at the same times each day. Do not stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor. Tell your doctor if your condition does not improve or if it worsens.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take PROPYLTHIOURACIL?

Before taking propylthiouracil, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details. Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: blood disorders (such as agranulocytosis, thrombocytopenia), liver disease. Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products). This medication should be used only when clearly needed during the first 3 months of pregnancy. It is not recommended for use during the last 6 months of pregnancy. Your doctor may direct you to use another medication during that time. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. If you are planning pregnancy, become pregnant, or think you may be pregnant, contact your doctor right away. This medication passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.

What may interact with PROPYLTHIOURACIL?

Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval. Some products that may interact with this drug include: "blood thinners" (such as warfarin), digoxin.

What should I watch for while using PROPYLTHIOURACIL?

Propylthiouracil has rarely caused very serious (possibly fatal) liver disease, especially during the first 6 months of treatment. Stop taking propylthiouracil and tell your doctor right away if you develop symptoms of liver disease, including nausea/vomiting that doesn't stop, severe stomach/abdominal pain, dark urine, yellowing eyes/skin.

What if I miss a dose of PROPYLTHIOURACIL?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose. Take your next dose at the regular time. Do not double the dose to catch up.

What side effects may I notice from receiving PROPYLTHIOURACIL?

Stomach upset, nausea, vomiting, mild rash/itching, or headache may occur. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly. Remember that this medication has been prescribed because your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects. Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including: muscle/joint pain, signs of kidney problems (such as change in the amount of urine, bloody/dark urine), coughing up blood, shortness of breath. This medication may rarely cause very serious blood disorders (such as a low number of red cells, white cells, and platelets), especially during the first few months of treatment. Tell your doctor right away if you develop any of the following symptoms: signs of infection (such as sore throat that doesn't go away, fever), easy bruising/bleeding, unusual tiredness. A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing. This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist. In the US - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch. In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

Where should I keep PROPYLTHIOURACIL?

Store at room temperature away from light and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medications away from children and pets. Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company.