Propylthiouracil Description

Propylthiouracil generic or brand is commonly prescribed to those with an overactive thyroid gland. This condition is called hyperthyroidism and is usually the result of having Grave’s disease, an autoimmune disease that causes your thyroid to increase the production of theT3 and T4 hormones. The generic alternative is not manufactured by the company that makes the brand product.

Your thyroid is responsible for controlling the way your body uses energy, your breathing, heart rate, body temperature, weight, and more. Hyperthyroidism causes your body’s processes to speed up so you may have weight loss, excessive perspiring, and trouble sleeping, among other symptoms.

Decrease the Production and Activity of Thyroid Hormones

When taken as directed, Propylthiouracil inhibits iodine and an enzyme from interacting with a protein called thyroglobulin. This interference will reduce your thyroid hormone production as well as hinders the conversion of the thyroid hormones T3 (triiodothyronine) and T4 (thyroxine) which also helps to reduce the activity of your thyroid hormones.

More About Grave’s Disease and Hyperthyroidism

Your thyroid gland, located at the front of your neck, makes the T3 and T4 hormones and the pituitary gland in your brain is in charge of the hormone levels. The pituitary makes thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) to signal your thyroid to produce thyroid hormones. With Grave’s disease, your immune system is not functioning properly and it produces antibodies that act like TSH as an immune response to a perceived intruder or threat. This causes your thyroid to believe it must start making thyroid hormones and your body has more than it requires so the food you eat is turned into energy faster and other functions speed up. Symptoms of Grave’s disease include an enlarged thyroid (goiter), irritability, increased sweating, hand tremors, fatigue, and weight loss.

Before Propylthiouracil is Prescribed to You

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, may become pregnant, or are breast feeding as Propylthiouracil could be harmful to your unborn or nursing baby. Discuss other medical conditions or allergies with your doctor and list any current OTC or Rx drugs you take or use, including herbal remedies and dietary or vitamin supplements to determine if Propylthiouracil is safe for you.

Propylthiouracil Proper Use

Until you know how your body will react to Propylthiouracil, do not drive, operate machinery, or perform any task that requires you to be alert. Keep out of children’s reach and away from pets. If you are scheduled for a dental or surgical procedure, tell the medical staff you are taking Propylthiouracil. Do not start taking any new meds or stop taking or change the dosage of any current meds without consulting with your doctor first.

Possible Side Effects of Propylthiouracil

• Dizziness
• Headache
• Drowsiness
• Taste changes/loss

Drugs Similar to Propylthiouracil

• Tapazole