Medications and Drugs

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Brand Names:

Generic Name: propylthiouracil (Pronunciation: PRO pil THYE oh URE a sil)

• What is propylthiouracil ()?
• What are the possible side effects of propylthiouracil ()?
• What is the most important information I should know about propylthiouracil ()?
• What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking propylthiouracil ()?
• How should I take propylthiouracil ()?
• What happens if I miss a dose ()?
• What happens if I overdose ()?
• What should I avoid while taking propylthiouracil ()?
• What other drugs will affect propylthiouracil ()?
• Where can I get more information?

What is propylthiouracil ()?

Propylthiouracil prevents the thyroid gland from producing too much thyroid hormone.

Propylthiouracil is used to treat hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid) or Graves' disease.

Propylthiouracil may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What are the possible side effects of propylthiouracil ()?

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Stop taking propylthiouracil and call your doctor at once if you have a serious side effect such as:

• fever, sore throat, headache, body aches, flu symptoms;
• pale skin, easy bruising or bleeding (nosebleeds, bleeding gums), unusual weakness;
• dry cough, trouble breathing; or
• severe blistering, peeling, and red skin rash.

Propylthiouracil may also cause severe liver symptoms. Call your doctor at once if you have any of these liver symptoms:

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

Less serious side effects may include:

• upset stomach, vomiting;
• dizziness, spinning sensation;
• mild skin rash or itching;
• mild joint or muscle pain;
• decreased sense of taste; or
• thinning hair.

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.

What is the most important information I should know about propylthiouracil ()?

Do not use propylthiouracil without telling your doctor if you are pregnant. It could harm the unborn baby. Use effective birth control, and tell your doctor if you become pregnant during treatment.

Propylthiouracil can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. Do not use propylthiouracil while you are breast-feeding a baby.

Propylthiouracil can lower blood cells that help your body fight infections. This can make it easier for you to bleed from an injury or get sick from being around others who are ill. Contact your doctor at once if you develop signs of infection.

Propylthiouracil may cause severe liver symptoms. Call your doctor at once if you have any of these liver symptoms: low fever, itching, nausea, stomach pain, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-colored stools, or jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes).