Thyroid Medications (cont.)

Hyperthyroidism Slideshow Pictures

Take the Thyroid Disorder Quiz

Thyroid Symptoms and Solutions Slideshow Pictures

Medical Author:

Robert Ferry Jr., MD

Robert Ferry Jr., MD, is a U.S. board-certified Pediatric Endocrinologist. After taking his baccalaureate degree from Yale College, receiving his doctoral degree and residency training in pediatrics at University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio (UTHSCSA), he completed fellowship training in pediatric endocrinology at The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia.

View Full Profile

Medical Editor:

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, Chief Medical Editor

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, is a U.S. board-certified Anatomic Pathologist with subspecialty training in the fields of Experimental and Molecular Pathology. Dr. Stöppler's educational background includes a BA with Highest Distinction from the University of Virginia and an MD from the University of North Carolina. She completed residency training in Anatomic Pathology at Georgetown University followed by subspecialty fellowship training in molecular diagnostics and experimental pathology.

View Full Profile

Anti-thyroid Medications

These medicines are used to treat an overactive thyroid gland by decreasing the output of thyroid hormone from the thyroid.

Propylthiouracil (also called PTU)

PTU blocks the production of thyroid hormone inside the thyroid gland
PTU is usually given in divided doses, 2 to 3 times a day
Blood levels of thyroid hormone do not drop until the stores of thyroid hormone in the thyroid are depleted, typically after 2-4 weeks
Thyroid hormone levels may take 1 to 4 months to normalize
Mild side effects include rash, low grade fevers, and itchiness
Rare but serious side effects include a reduction in white blood cells, which can prevent the body from fighting off an infection, and hepatitis (liver damage)