What is propylthiouracil 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.

What are the long term effects of methimazole?

Long-term use of Tapazole may lead to a remission of hyperthyroidism. Grave’s disease is the most common cause of hyperthyroidism.

Can methimazole cure hyperthyroidism?

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. Methimazole can be taken once per day.

How do you know if propylthiouracil is effective?

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.

Does propylthiouracil cross placenta?

Propylthiouracil (PTU) is widely believed to cross the placenta less freely than methimazole (MMI) and is therefore regarded as the preferred drug for treatment of hyperthyroidism in pregnancy. Clinical studies comparing the two drugs show, however, no differences in maternal or fetal thyroid function.

Can I stay on methimazole forever?

Long-term therapy with methimazole is not usually considered in treating patients with a toxic nodular goiter since this will never go into remission. However, methimazole has been shown to be safe for long term use in patients with Graves’ disease.