What is PTU medication used for?

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 (e.g., methimazole) that did not work well.

Is PTU harmful?

The FDA has reported that PTU can cause serious liver damage in persons who take PTU including people who are pregnant. You and your healthcare team will decide what is best for your specific situation.

What enzyme does PTU inhibit?

Propylthiouracil inhibits the production of new thyroid hormone in the thyroid gland. [2] It acts by inhibiting the enzyme thyroid peroxidase, which usually converts iodide to an iodine molecule and incorporates the iodine molecule into amino acid tyrosine.

How do you know PTU is working?

You will need to have blood tests from time to time to check that you are on the correct dose and that your liver is working well. This is because propylthiouracil can occasionally cause serious liver problems. Propylthiouracil should have some effect on your symptoms around three to four weeks after treatment starts.

What are side effects of PTU?

Propylthiouracil may cause side effects. 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.

Can PTU cause shortness of breath?

skin rash, skin pain or swelling; pink or dark urine, foamy urine, little or no urination; shortness of breath, or if you cough up blood; or.

Can I drink alcohol on PTU?

There are several activities you should avoid while taking propylthiouracil (PTU). Avoid drinking alcohol, as it may cause sedation or confusion. Also, avoid taking this drug during pregnancy and breastfeeding because of possible harmful effects to an unborn baby or infant.

Does PTU affect TSH?

Propylthiouracil can cause hypothyroidism necessitating routine monitoring of TSH and free T4 levels with adjustments in dosing to maintain a euthyroid state.

Why is iodine given after PTU?

Blocking thyroid hormone secretion Iodine therapy should be administered after approximately 1 hour following administration of PTU or MMI; iodine used alone helps to increase thyroid hormone stores and may increase the thyrotoxic state.

Can you drink alcohol while taking propylthiouracil?

Is PTU better than methimazole?

Methimazole — Methimazole is usually preferred over propylthiouracil because it reverses hyperthyroidism more quickly and has fewer side effects. Methimazole requires an average of six weeks to lower T4 levels to normal and is often given before radioactive iodine treatment.

Can I drink alcohol with PTU?