Propylthiouracil

Propylthiouracil is a drug to overcome hyperthyroidism, which is a condition when thyroid hormone levels are too high. In addition, this drug is also given to patients before undergoing thyroid surgery and or before patients undergo radioactive therapy with iodine.

Propylthiouracil works by inhibiting the formation of thyroid hormones , including T3 and T4, so it can reduce the level of these hormones in the body. Propylthiouracil can also be used when methimazole or radioactive therapy cannot be done. This medicine can only be used according to a doctor's prescription.

Propylthiouracil trademarks: Propylthiouracil, Prostimix

What is Propylthiouracil

Warnings Before Consuming Propylthiouracil

There are several things you need to pay attention to before consuming propylthiouracil, among them:

• Tell your doctor about any allergies you have. Propylthiouracil should not be given to patients who are allergic to this drug.
• Tell your doctor if you are or have suffered from kidney disorders, liver disease, blood abnormalities, such as agranulocytosis , aplastic anemia, or thrombocytopenia .
• Tell your doctor if you are undergoing treatment with propylthiouracil before undergoing, surgery including dental surgery.
• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning to become pregnant.
• Tell your doctor if you are using certain medications, supplements, or herbal products.
• See a doctor immediately if you experience a drug allergic reaction , overdose, or serious side effects after using propylthiouracil.

Dosage and Administration of Propylthiouracil

The following is the dose of propylthiouracil in the treatment of hyperthyroidism, before radioactive therapy with iodine, or before thyroidectomy, for adult patients:

• The initial dose is 300 mg per day divided into 3 administrations, with an interval between administrations of 8 hours. The dose can be increased to 600–900 mg per day.
• Maintenance dose of 100–150 mg per day divided into 2–3 administrations, with an interval between administrations of 8–12 hours.

How to Consume Propylthiouracil Correctly

Always follow the  doctor 's instructions and read the information on the medicine package before consuming propylthiouracil. Do not increase or decrease the dose of medicine without first consulting a doctor.

Consumption of propylthiouracil tablets after meals. Swallow propylthiouracil tablets whole with a glass of water. Keep taking propylthiouracil even if you feel better. Do not stop taking medicine without first consulting a doctor.

If you forget to take propylthiouracil, take it as soon as you remember when the next scheduled intake is not too close. If it's close, ignore it and don't double the dose. Tell your doctor if you often forget to take propylthiouracil.

During treatment with propylthiouracil, you need to undergo periodic examinations and controls, so that the condition and response to therapy can be monitored. You will also be asked to do blood tests periodically to know your condition.

Store propylthiouracil at room temperature, in a dry place, and away from direct sunlight. Keep the medicine out of the reach of children.

Interactions of Propylthiouracil with Other Drugs

The following are some of the interaction effects that can occur if propylthiouracil is used together with other drugs:

• Increased risk of bleeding if used with  warfarin 
• Increased risk of serious infections if used with deferiprone
• Increased risk of side effects from metoprolol , digoxin, or carvedilol
• Increased risk of liver dysfunction if used with leflunomide , lomitapide, mipomersen, pexidartinib, or teriflunomide
• Increased risk of agranulocytosis if used with fluphenazine 

Side Effects and Dangers of Propylthiouracil

There are several side effects that can occur after consuming propylthiouracil, among others:

• Nausea,  vomiting , stomach ache
• Joint or muscle pain
• It is difficult to distinguish the taste of food or drink
• Turn
• Hair loss
• Tingling

Check with your doctor if the side effects do not improve or get worse. See a doctor immediately if you experience a drug allergic reaction or serious side effects, such as:

• Infectious diseases that can be characterized by symptoms such as fever , chills, sore throat, or thrush
• Frequent nosebleeds that are hard to stop or bruise easily
• Liver function disorders that can be characterized by symptoms such as dark colored urine, jaundice , or severe abdominal pain
• Kidney function disorders that can be characterized by symptoms such as infrequent urination or very little urine output
• New bleeding or difficulty breathing

In addition, this drug can also increase the risk of a decrease in the number of blood cells, causing low levels of white blood cells (leukopenia), aplastic anemia, or a low number of blood platelets ( thrombocytopenia ).