PTU
Generic Name:
Propylthiouracil
Brand Names:
Propyl-Thyracil, Propylthiouracil
PTU Description:
Propylthiouracil, or PTU, is used to treat hyperthyroidism and other thyroid conditions. The medication was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for treatment of thyroid conditions in 1947. Although the drug has been approved by the FDA and continues to be available for prescription, the FDA released a warning in June of 2009 advising that people who use the medication may experience an increased risk of liver injury, liver failure, and even death.
In addition to being used to treat thyroid conditions, PTU has also used in the past by researchers when studying the genetics of how bitter tastes are perceived by humans.
PTU is able to effectively treat thyroid conditions because it inhibits thyroid hormone synthesis. At the same time, it does not cause the triodothyronine and thyroxine already stored in the thyroid to become inactive.
PTU Uses:
PTU is used to treat hypothyroidism and other similar thyroid conditions, including Graves's disease. PTU effectively reduces the amount of thyroid hormones that are produced by the thyroid gland. As such, PTU is considered to be an anti-thyroid agent.
Although there are many potential causes of hyperthyroidism, Graves's disease is considered to be the most common cause. In individuals with Grave's disease, the antibodies naturally produced by the body attach to the thyroid-stimulating hormone receptors that are located in the thyroid gland. Too much of the thyroid hormone is then produced.
The thyroid gland manufactures two different thyroid hormones: thyroxine (T4) and triodothyronine (T3). Both of these hormones are produced after an enzyme called peroxidase helps combine iodine and a protein called thyroglobulin. When a patient uses PTU, the peroxidase and the iodine are unable to interact normally with thyroglobulin. This prevents the formation of T3 and T4, which helps to reduce the overall production of the thyroid hormone. PTU also helps reduce the conversion of T4 to T3. Since T3 is more potent than T4, this further helps reduce thyroid hormone activity.
In addition to helping with the management of hyperthyroidism associated with Grave's disease, PTU is effective at decreasing hyperthyroidism symptoms in patients who are preparing for surgical removal of the thyroid gland. It is also effective at reducing symptoms in patients before the thyroid gland is inactivated from radioactive iodine therapy. In situations where it is best not to remove the thyroid gland, PTU may also be used as a form of treatment.
PTU Interactions:
Talk to your doctor before using PTU if you are taking digoxin (Lanoxin, digitalis), theophylline (Elixophyllin, Theo-24, Uniphyl), blood thinners (warfarin, Coumadin), or beta-blockers.
Other drugs not listed may interfere with PTU treatment.
PTU Dosage Information:
Typical Dosage Recommendation:
PTU is administered orally, with doses administered once every 8 hours. Adults who are just starting PTU treatment are typically prescribed 100 to 150 mg doses every 8 hours for the first 2 months of treatment. After the initial treatment is complete, most adults continue treatment with dosages between 100 to 150 mg per day, equally divided into doses every 8 to 12 hours. Treatment continues until remission occurs (up to 1-2 years) or other therapy is undertaken. Doses vary depending on condition being treated, age, and other factors.
Missing a Dose:
If you miss a dose of PTU, take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next scheduled dose, wait until then to take a dose and skip the missed dose.
Overdosing:
Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have overdosed. Symptoms of overdose include nausea, vomiting, headache, restlessness, drowsiness, numbness, tingling, loss of appetite, swelling, rash, itching, stomach pain, joint pain, and sore throat.
PTU FDA Approval:
July 28, 1947
PTU Recall/Black Box Warning Information:
The FDA notified healthcare professionals and consumers on June 4, 2009, of the dangerous risks of liver failure and death associated with PTU treatment in adult and pediatric patients. The FDA has identified 32 cases (22 adult and 10 pediatric) of serious liver injury associated with propylthiouracil.
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July 30, 2010, 2:23 pm
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July 30, 2010, 2:13 pm
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July 29, 2010, 12:33 pm
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July 28, 2010, 3:58 pm
