What does it do?
Propylthiouracil is used to reduce the amount of hormone made by your thyroid gland.
How should you take it?
Take propylthiouracil regularly as directed with a glass of water.
What if you forget a dose?
Take the missed dose as soon as possible. If it is close to the time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and carry on as normal. Do not take two doses at the same time.
Can you take other medicines?
Some medicines available without a prescription may react with propylthiouracil including:
- iodine supplements (e.g. Iodine/Lugol’s solution®)
Tell your pharmacist or doctor about all medicines or treatments that you may be taking including vitamins, herbal products (e.g. kelp power) or recreational drugs. Avoid foods such as seaweed or kelp that may contain iodine.
What side effects might you notice?
| Side Effects | Recommended action |
|---|---|
|
Increased risk of infection - symptoms may include: fever, chills, sore throat, aches and pains, tiredness, pain when peeing, mouth ulcers Easy/unusual bruising or bleeding Symptoms of liver problems including: yellow skin or eyes, itching, dark urine, pale bowel motions, abdominal pain |
Tell your doctor immediately |
|
Headache Hair loss or thinning Joint, muscle or bone aches and pains Stomach upset |
Tell your doctor if troublesome |
If you notice any other effects, discuss them with your doctor or pharmacist.
Other information:
- Tell your doctor if you have liver or kidney problems, or a blood disorder.
- Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding.
- Propylthiouracil is not registered for use in New Zealand. Discuss with your doctor.
This leaflet contains important, but not all, information about this medicine.
Prepared by the PILs Committee at Christchurch Hospital, Canterbury District Health Board, New Zealand. December 2017
For more general information about this sheet and its contents, see: What does a My Medicines sheet cover?
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About My Medicines
My Medicines Patient Information Leaflets (PILs) contain important, but not all, information about the medicines they describe.
For more information about the sheets, see: What does a My Medicines sheet cover?
My Medicines is developed by a team at the Canterbury District Health Board. Our team is made up of doctors, pharmacists, and a non-medical person to help us keep to plain language. We also discuss our information with specialist health professionals or groups when needed