Propylthiouracil (Propylthiouracil) - Summary

SUMMARY

Propylthiouracil (6-propyl-2-thiouracil) is one of the thiocarbamide compounds. It is a white, crystalline substance that has a bitter taste and is very slightly soluble in water. Propylthiouracil is an antithyroid drug administered orally.

Propylthiouracil is indicated in the medical treatment of hyperthyroidism. Long-term therapy may lead to remission of the disease. Propylthiouracil may also be used to ameliorate hyperthyroidism in preparation for subtotal thyroidectomy of radioactive iodine therapy. Propylthiouracil is also used when thyroidectomy is contraindicated or not advisable.

See all indications & dosage >>

NEWS HIGHLIGHTS

Published Studies Related to Propylthiouracil

Effects of short-term propylthiouracil treatment on p wave duration and p wave dispersion in patients with overt hypertyroidism. [2007.06]
CONCLUSION: P wave duration and PWD are found prolonged in hyperthyroid patients and propylthiouracil treatment decreased them effectively. This mechanism may establish how the anti-thyroid treatment may prevent the development of atrial fibrillation in hyperthyroid patients.

Comparison of methimazole and propylthiouracil in patients with hyperthyroidism caused by Graves' disease. [2007.06]
CONTEXT: Although methimazole (MMI) and propylthiouracil (PTU) have long been used to treat hyperthyroidism caused by Graves' disease (GD), there is still no clear conclusion about the choice of drug or appropriate initial doses. OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to compare the MMI 30 mg/d treatment with the PTU 300 mg/d and MMI 15 mg/d treatment in terms of efficacy and adverse reactions... CONCLUSIONS: MMI 15 mg/d is suitable for mild and moderate GD, whereas MMI 30 mg/d is advisable for severe cases. PTU is not recommended for initial use.

The effect of combination therapy with propylthiouracil and cholestyramine in the treatment of Graves' hyperthyroidism. [2005.05]
OBJECTIVE: The study aims to evaluate the efficacy of combination therapy with propylthiouracil (PTU) and cholestyramine in the treatment of Graves' hyperthyroidism. BACKGROUND: Thyroxine (T4) is metabolized mainly in the liver by conjugation to glucuronides and sulphates that enter the enterohepatic circulation. Thyrotoxic patients have an abnormal increase in thyroid hormone in their enterohepatic circulation. Previous studies on combination therapy with methimazole and cholestyramine for Graves' hyperthyroidism have shown it to be an effective adjunctive treatment. In this study, we examined the efficacy of combination therapy with PTU and cholestyramine in the treatment of Graves' hyperthyroidism... CONCLUSION: Cholestyramine contributed to a more rapid and complete decline in thyroid hormone levels in patients with Graves' hyperthyroidism. It was thus proved to be an effective and well-tolerated adjunctive therapy.

Propylthiouracil before 131I therapy of hyperthyroid diseases: effect on cure rate evaluated by a randomized clinical trial. [2004.09]
A randomized clinical trial was performed to clarify whether pretreatment with propylthiouracil (PTU) before radioiodine ((131)I) therapy influences the final outcome of this therapy, as has been indicated by retrospective studies. Untreated consecutive hyperthyroid patients with Graves' disease (n = 23) or a toxic nodular goiter (n = 57) were randomized to either PTU (+PTU; n = 39) or no pretreatment (-PTU; n = 41) before compensated (131)I therapy...

Comparison of single daily dose of methimazole and propylthiouracil in the treatment of Graves' hyperthyroidism. [2004.06]
OBJECTIVE: The present study was to compare the efficacy of a single daily dose of methimazole (MMI) and propylthiouracil (PTU) in the treatment of Graves' hyperthyroidism. BACKGROUND: Antithyroid drugs, MMI and PTU, are widely used in the treatment of hyperthyroidism. Previous studies in the treatment of hyperthyroidism with a single daily dose of antithyroid drugs have demonstrated a more favourable result with MMI. However, the efficacy of a single daily dose of PTU was inconsistent. In this study, we examined the therapeutic efficacy of single daily doses of MMI and PTU on the change of thyroid hormones and thyrotropin receptor antibodies (TRAb) levels... CONCLUSION: During the 12-week treatment of Graves' hyperthyroidism, a single daily dose of 15 mg MMI was much more effective in the induction of euthyroidism than a single daily dose of 150 mg PTU. In the doses used in this study, MMI is preferable to PTU when a once-daily regimen of antithyroid drug is considered for the treatment of Graves' hyperthyroidism.

more studies >>

Clinical Trials Related to Propylthiouracil

Computer Based Intervention for Type 2 Diabetes in Youth [Recruiting]
Interactive multimedia programs have been demonstrated to produce substantial change in children's dietary behaviors. This SBIR-Phase 2 protocol will evaluate the two video game interventions designed to change diabetes related behaviors, including diet and physical activity: Escape from Diab! and Nanoswarm that were developed in Phase 1. The primary hypotheses for this SBIR-Phase 2 protocol are:

1. The two video games will result in greater dietary and physical activity change than a knowledge based control group.

2. The effects of the video games will be mediated by changes in child preferences for FV and PA, self-efficacy to change FV intake and PA, and intrinsic motivation to eat FV and PA.

We will test these hypotheses by evaluating the two video games in a randomized experiment. To minimize costs, we will evaluate the impact of the games on behavior (diet and PA), BMI and related psychosocial variables, but not blood values. Our long-term goal is reducing the incidence of Type 2 diabetes and related health problems in youth.

more trials >>

PATIENT REVIEWS / RATINGS / COMMENTS

Propylthiouracil review by 43 year old female patient
		Rating
Overall rating:
Effectiveness:		Moderately Effective
Side effects:		Moderate Side Effects
		Treatment Info
Condition / reason:		Hyperthyroid - Graves Disease
Dosage & duration:		150 - 450 mcg (dosage frequency: 3 times per day) for the period of 2 years
Other conditions:		None
Other drugs taken:		None
		Reported Results
Benefits:		Reduced the level of thyroid hormone, thereby minimizing many of the hyperthyroid symptoms.
Side effects:		Muscle cramps.
Comments:		PTU was administered in varying doses while thyroid hormone levels were monitored. The dose was adjusted accordingly, but often the response was a few weeks behind the dosage change, hence it was difficult to titer and keep hormone levels within normal ranges.