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Propylthiouracil is used to treat hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid gland) or to prepare you for thyroid surgery or radioactive iodine therapy. It works by stopping the thyroid gland from making too much thyroid hormone.
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| Overview |
Photos |
How To Use |
Side Effects |
Precautions |
Missed Dose |
Drug Interactions |
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Propacil
Uses
Propylthiouracil is used to treat hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid gland) or to prepare you for thyroid surgery or radioactive iodine therapy. It works by stopping the thyroid gland from making too much thyroid hormone.
Notes
- Do not share this medication with others.Laboratory and/or medical tests (e.g., complete blood counts, liver and thyroid function tests, prothrombin time) should be performed periodically to monitor your progress or check for side effects.
- Consult your doctor for more details.
Storage
- Store at room temperature between 59-86 degrees F (15-30 degrees C) away from light and moisture.
- Do not store in the bathroom.
- Keep all medications away from children and pets.
Overdose
- Symptoms of overdose may include: nausea, vomiting, stomach discomfort, fever, headache, joint pain, swelling.
How To Use
- Take this medication by mouth, usually 3 times a day (every 8 hours) or as directed by your doctor.Dosage is based on your medical condition and response to therapy.Take this medication exactly as prescribed.
- Do not increase your dose or take it more often than directed.
- Your condition will not improve faster, but side effects may be increased.Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it.
- To help you remember, take it at the same times each day.
- Do not stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor.
- Inform your doctor if you develop new symptoms or if your condition worsens.
Side Effects
- Stomach upset, nausea, vomiting, loss of taste, headache, joint/muscle pain, abnormal hair loss, drowsiness, dizziness, or burning/tingling of hands/feet may occur.
- If any of these effects persist or worsen, contact your doctor or pharmacist promptly.Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects.
- Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.Tell your doctor immediately if any of these rare but very serious side effects occur: yellowing eyes/skin, dark urine, severe abdominal pain, loss of appetite, persistent nausea/vomiting, change in the amount of urine.This medication may rarely cause a very serious decrease in the number of cells in your blood (blood counts), especially during the first few months after you start taking the medication.
- Tell your doctor immediately if you develop the following symptoms: fever, persistent sore throat, unusual tiredness, weakness, easy bruising/bleeding.Be sure to keep all medical appointments so your doctor can closely monitor you.A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare.
- However, seek immediate medical attention if you notice any of the following symptoms: rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, trouble breathing.If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
Precautions
- Before taking propylthiouracil, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies.Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: liver disease, blood disorders (e.g., agranulocytosis, thrombocytopenia).This drug may make you dizzy or drowsy.
- Use caution while driving, using machinery, or doing any activity that requires alertness.
- Limit alcoholic beverages.Before you have surgery, tell your doctor or dentist that you take this medication.This medication is not recommended for use during pregnancy.
- Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor before taking propylthiouracil.
- Tell your doctor immediately if you become pregnant or think you may be pregnant.
- Consult your doctor for more details.This medication passes into breast milk and may have undesirable effects on a nursing infant.
- Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
Missed Dose
- If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember.
- If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule.
- Do not double the dose to catch up.
Drug Interactions
- Your doctor or pharmacist may already be aware of any possible drug interactions and may be monitoring you for them.
- Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicine before checking with your doctor or pharmacist first.Before taking this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and nonprescription/herbal products you may use, especially of: digoxin, beta blockers (e.g., metoprolol), theophylline, warfarin.
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CONDITIONS OF USE: The information in this database is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgement of healthcare professionals. The information is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, drug interactions or adverse effects, nor should it be construed to indicate that use of a particular drug is safe, appropriate or effective for you or anyone else. A healthcare professional should be consulted before taking any drug, changing any diet or commencing or discontinuing any course of treatment.
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