Propylthiouracil is an antithyroid medicine. Propylthiouracil is used to treat Graves' disease and hyperthyroidism, a condition where the thyroid gland produces too much thyroid hormone. It is also used before thyroid surgery or radioactive iodine treatment in patients who have already been treated with other medicines that did not work well. It works by stopping the thyroid gland from making thyroid hormone. Doctor's prescription is required to use this medicine.

Always take Propylthiouracil as directed by your physician. Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Propylthiouracil comes as a tablet to take by mouth. It is usually taken three times a day, once every 8 hours. Your doctor may decrease your dose of propylthiouracil once your condition is controlled. Continue to take propylthiouracil even if you feel well. Do not stop taking propylthiouracil without talking to your doctor. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.

Always use Propylthiouracil exactly as directed by your doctor.

Before taking Propylthiouracil, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it or any other medications. Tell your doctor or pharmacist about your medical history. Tell your doctor about all the other prescription and nonprescription medications you are taking. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking propylthiouracil, call your doctor.Your doctor may tell you to take propylthiouracil during the first months of your pregnancy only and then may switch you to methimazole for the rest of your pregnancy. Propylthiouracil may cause severe liver problems in pregnant women and may harm the fetus.

Liver problems may occur while you are using this medicine. Stop using this medicine and check with your doctor right away if you have signs of liver damage: fever, itching, tiredness, nausea, vomiting, upper stomach pain, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-colored stools, or jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes).

Before having any surgery, including dental surgery, tell the doctor or dentist that you are taking propylthiouracil.

Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:

• hair loss

• difficulty tasting food

• numbness, burning, or tingling of the hands or feet

• joint or muscle pain

• dizziness

• swelling of the neck Some side effects can be serious.

If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately:

• sore throat, fever, chills, cough, or other signs of infection

• headache

• skin rash, hives, blisters, bumps or peeling

• dark, rust-colored, brown or foamy urine

• swelling of the face, eyes, stomach, arms, hands, feet, ankles, or lower legs

• chest pain

• shortness of breath or wheezing

• coughing up blood Propylthiouracil may cause other side effects.

Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while taking this medication.

What happens if I miss a dose?

ake the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.

What happens if I overdose?

In case of overdose, call the poison control helpline. If the victim has collapsed, had a seizure, has trouble breathing, or can't be awakened, immediately call emergency services.

Where should I keep my medicine?

Keep out of reach of children. Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.

What should I avoid while taking propylthiouracil?

Avoid driving or hazardous activity until you know how propylthiouracil will affect you. Your reactions could be impaired.