What Is Propylthiouracil?

Propylthiouracil (Propylthiouracil), also known as propylthiouracil, prevents thyroid tyrosine iodination and iodinated tyrosine condensation by inhibiting the thyroid peroxidase system, thereby inhibiting the synthesis of thyroid hormones. Large doses (> 700 mg daily dose) can reduce the conversion of T4 to T3 in surrounding tissues. This product also has an immunosuppressive effect. Since this product only inhibits the synthesis of thyroid hormones, it has no effect on the synthesized thyroid hormones, so it takes 3 to 4 weeks to treat the effects of hyperthyroidism.

Basic Information

Drug Name

Propylthiouracil

Alias

PROP

Foreign name

propylthiouracil

Main indications

Hyperthyroidism in adults

Dosage

300mg per day

Adverse reactions

Rash or itchy skin, abnormal blood system

Dosage form

tablet

English abbreviations

PTU

Indications of propylthiouracil

1. Medical treatment of hyperthyroidism

It is suitable for patients who are mild and unsuitable for surgery or radioactive iodine treatment, such as children, adolescents and those who relapse after surgery and are not suitable for radioactive iodine treatment. It can also be used as adjuvant therapy in radioiodine treatment.

2. Treatment of thyroid crisis

In addition to the application of large doses of iodine and other comprehensive measures, a large amount of this product can be used as an adjuvant treatment to block the synthesis of thyroxine.

3. Preoperative preparation

In order to reduce anesthesia and postoperative complications and prevent thyroid crisis after surgery, this product should be taken before surgery to restore thyroid function to normal or near normal, and then take iodine about two weeks before surgery.

Clinical application of propylthiouracil

Adult hyperthyroidism

Oral commonly used amount, 0.05-0.1g once, 0.15-0.3g once a day; Extreme amount, 0.2g once, 0.6g a day. After the symptoms are alleviated, change the maintenance amount to 25-100mg a day. The starting dose for children is to be taken orally in divided doses of 4 mg / kg daily, and the maintenance amount may be reduced as necessary;

2. Thyroid crisis

0.4 0.8g per day, divided into 3 to 4 times, the course of treatment should not exceed 1 week as one of the comprehensive treatment measures;

3. Preoperative preparation for hyperthyroidism

Take this product before surgery to restore thyroid function to normal or near normal, and then take iodine for two weeks before surgery.

Propylthiouracil adverse reactions

1. Adverse reactions often occur in the first two months of medication. Skin pruritus and rash are more common. They can be discontinued or reduced or replaced with other preparations.

2. Severe adverse reactions are abnormal blood system, mild leukopenia, severe agranulocytosis, aplastic anemia, therefore, the blood should be checked regularly after the treatment is started. Rare adverse reactions are hepatitis, jaundice can occur, liver function should be checked regularly. Use with caution in patients with abnormal liver function. Propiothiouracil has a greater correlation with liver toxicity than other thiourea drugs. Asymptomatic liver damage is more common, such as elevated liver enzymes, but serious reactions such as hepatitis and liver necrosis are rare. Renal insufficiency should be reduced.

3. Other adverse reactions are gastrointestinal reactions, joint pain, headache, vasculitis and lupus erythematosus-like syndrome; rare adverse reactions include interstitial pneumonia, nephritis and vasculitis.

Propylthiouracil notes

Peripheral white blood cell count is low; allergic to thiourea drugs; caution in patients with abnormal liver function. If there are symptoms and signs of agranulocytosis or hepatitis, medication should be stopped. A serious side effect is an abnormal blood system, so blood tests should be performed regularly after treatment has started.

Contraindications of propylthiouracil

Those who are allergic to this product are prohibited. Pregnant and lactating women, nodular goiters with hyperthyroidism, and patients with thyroid cancer are contraindicated.

Propylthiouracil drug interactions

1. Attention should be paid to the combination of drugs that inhibit thyroid function and cause goiter, such as sulfa drugs, butepine, barbiturates, and sulfonylureas.

2. Avoid taking iodine before using this product.

3. Reduce the effect of anticoagulants.

Note: The above content is only for introduction, the drug use must be carried out by a regular hospital under the guidance of a doctor.