Hyperthyroidism, which is the excessive production of hormones by the butterfly-shaped thyroid gland in our neck, is a health condition that many people in our country also have. One of the main drugs that doctors prescribe as a treatment for this is Propylthiouracil. We all know this by the short name PTU. So if you have been prescribed this drug, it is very important to know everything about it simply and clearly.
What kind of medicine is PTU (Propylthiouracil)?
Simply put, PTU is a medication that tells your thyroid gland to "work a little harder, now make a little less hormone." That is, what this medication does is reduce the amount of thyroid hormone produced by the thyroid gland.
Doctors mainly use this medicine:
- Control excess thyroid hormones (Hyperthyroidism).
- Control your hormone levels before thyroid surgery.
- Before radioactive iodine treatment.
This medicine may sometimes be prescribed by your doctor for other conditions, so if you have any questions, ask your doctor about it.
What are the things I need to tell the doctor before using this medicine?
Before you start using PTU, it is important to inform your doctor about the following things, as these can directly affect your treatment.
- If you have liver disease: PTU can sometimes affect the liver, so if you have a pre-existing liver problem, your doctor should be aware of it.
- If you have a blood problem, such as low white blood cell counts: This is very important as this medicine can further decrease your white blood cell count.
- If you have an allergic reaction to PTU or any other medicine, food, or dye.
- If you are trying to get pregnant or are already pregnant: You should especially talk to your doctor about using this medicine during pregnancy.
- If you are a breastfeeding mother.
How exactly do you use this medicine?
This is a pill that you take by mouth. It is very important to take the prescribed amount, exactly as your doctor tells you, at the prescribed time. Take the medicine exactly as your doctor tells you, three times a day. Do not take more than you think you should or stop taking it.
The most important thing is not to stop taking this medicine suddenly without your doctor's advice. Doing so may cause your symptoms to return.
This medicine is not usually recommended for children. However, in rare cases, this medicine may be given to children over 6 years of age under medical supervision. Only your doctor can decide.
What if I miss a dose of medication?
If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the scheduled time. Never take a double dose to make up for a forgotten dose.
What if I take too much medicine?
If you think you have taken more medicine than you think, go to the nearest hospital Emergency Department (ETU) immediately. Or call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital for advice.
Other medications that may interact with PTU
If you are taking PTU and are also taking certain other medications, there may be interactions between the two. Therefore, it is very important to tell your doctor about all the medications you are taking.
| Type of medicine | Condition used |
|---|---|
| Aminophylline, Theophylline | For respiratory diseases such as asthma |
| Medications like Metoprolol, Propranolol | For high blood pressure, heart disease |
| Digoxin | For heart disease |
| Warfarin | To prevent blood clotting (to thin the blood) |
This list is not complete, so be sure to tell your doctor about all the medications you take (including vitamins, herbal remedies, and supplements). Also, tell your doctor if you smoke or drink alcohol.
Possible side effects of this medicine
Like any medication, PTU can cause some side effects. Some of these require immediate attention, while others are less serious.
| PTU side effects | |
|---|---|
| Serious side effects that should be reported to the doctor immediately | |
| Symptoms of liver damage | Dark yellow/brown urine, yellowing of the eyes or skin, pain in the upper right part of the stomach, loss of appetite, nausea, extreme fatigue. |
| Signs of infection (due to low white blood cell count) | Fever, chills, sore throat, mouth sores. |
| Allergic Reactions | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips or tongue, difficulty breathing. |
| Other serious symptoms | Joint pain, unusual bleeding or bruising, vision changes, numbness in the limbs, difficulty urinating. |
| Side effects that are usually not serious (but should be reported to the doctor if they persist) | |
| Minor side effects | Nausea, vomiting, stomach upset, headache, dizziness, drowsiness, changes in taste, hair loss. |
Things you should be careful about when taking medication
- Regular medical check-ups: Check with your doctor regularly to see if your condition is improving. He or she will order blood tests (`blood counts`, `thyroid function tests`). Don't skip these.
- Be on the lookout for signs of infection: If you develop a fever or sore throat, don't ignore it. It could be a sign of low white blood cell count, so call your doctor right away.
- Pregnancy: If you are planning to become pregnant, tell your doctor before starting this medication. If you suspect you may be pregnant while taking this medication, inform your doctor immediately.
- Surgery: If you are having any surgery, be sure to tell the surgeon that you are taking PTU.
Take-Home Message
- Always take the PTU pill exactly as prescribed by your doctor, at the right time.
- Never stop taking medication or change the dosage without medical advice.
- Seek medical advice immediately if you develop symptoms such as fever, sore throat, or yellowing of the eyes or skin.
- Inform your doctor about all other medications, vitamins, and traditional medicines you are taking.
- Attending regular medical checkups and blood tests is essential for your well-being.
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