Propylthiouracil

What is this medication for?

High thyroid hormone levels, or hyperthyroidism, is a condition where the thyroid gland in the body makes and releases too much thyroid hormone. People who have high thyroid hormone levels may experience fast heartbeats, weight loss, feel warm all the time and become more irritable. Propylthiouracil works by reducing the amount of thyroid hormone made.

How should I take or use this medication?

• Do not stop taking your medication without checking with your healthcare professional.
• You may take this medication with or without food.

What should I do if I forget to take or use this medication?

If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember if it is not close to the next dose. Otherwise, you should skip the dose and take the next dose at the usual time. Do not take two doses together to make up for the missed dose.

What precautions should I take when taking or using this medication?

Inform your healthcare professional if:

• You are allergic to this medication or any of the other ingredients of this medication.
• You are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding.
• You are taking any other medications, including supplements, traditional medications and herbal remedies.
• You have liver or kidney problems.
• You have a blood disorder. 

If you have any question about this medication, please discuss with your healthcare professional.

What are some common side effects of this medication? ​

Like all medications, this medication may cause some possible side effects but not everyone experiences them. Consult your healthcare professional if any of these side effects lasts more than a few days or become severe and bothersome.

• Nausea, stomach upset
        o    Take the medication after food
• Headache
        o    You may take medication e.g. Paracetamol to relieve the headache
• Hair thinning

What are some rare but serious side-effects that I need to seek medical advice immediately? 

The symptoms of a drug allergy include one or more of the following:

• Swollen face/eyes/lips/tongue
• Difficulty in breathing
• Itchy skin rashes over your whole body

You can also find out about drug allergies by watching these videos:
They are available in English, 中文, Melayu and தமிழ்: Drug Allergies

In rare cases, Propylthiouracil:

• May affect your liver. Symptoms include one or more of the following:
        o    yellowing of your skin or eye
        o    dark-coloured urine
        o    loss of appetite
        o    right upper abdominal pain
        o    muscle pain
        o    unusual bruising or bleeding
        o    feeling unusually tired
• May cause the number of white blood cells in your body to be low. This increases your chance of getting an infection. Symptoms include one or more of the following:
        o    fever
        o    chills
        o    bad sore throat
        o    pain when you pass urine 
        o    mouth sores or wounds that do not heal
        o    unusual bruising or bleeding
        o    feeling unusually tired

If you experience any of these symptoms, you should stop your medication and see your healthcare professional immediately.

What food or medication should I avoid when I take or use this medication?

Let your healthcare professional know if you are taking, or planning to take any other herbal products, supplements (e.g. containing iodine) or medications.

How should I store this medication?

Store in a cool and dry place, away from direct sunlight. Keep this medication away from children.

How do I throw away this medication safely? ​

Pack this medication into a black trash bag and seal it tightly before throwing into the rubbish chute or bin.