Side Effects of propylthiouracil: A Synthesis of Findings from 28 Studies

  1. Home
  2. Side Effects of propylthiouracil
This information is not medical advice and is not a substitute for diagnosis or treatment by a physician.Data sources and disclaimers (data limitations, copyright, etc.)The analysis on "Side Effects of propylthiouracil: A Synthesis of Findings from 28 Studies" on this page is based on PubMed data provided by the U.S. National Library of Medicine (NLM). However, NLM does not endorse or verify these analyses.

This analysis is based on research papers included in PubMed, but medical research is constantly evolving and may not fully reflect the latest findings. There may also be biases towards certain research areas.

This information is not medical advice and is not a substitute for diagnosis or treatment by a physician. If you have concerns about "Side Effects of propylthiouracil: A Synthesis of Findings from 28 Studies", please consult your doctor.

For NLM copyright information, please see Link to NLM Copyright Page
PubMed data is obtained via Hugging Face Datasets: Link to DatasetPlease check the disclaimer.
This page's analysis is based on PubMed data provided by the U.S. National Library of Medicine (NLM).
Original Abstract of the Article

Major Research Findings

Propylthiouracil (PTU) is a medication used to treat hyperthyroidism. Many studies have shown that PTU is an effective treatment, but it can cause a variety of side effects. 11 , 27 , 3 , 8

Reasons for Side Effects

The side effects of PTU are thought to be caused by the drug's ability to inhibit the production of thyroid hormone. Thyroid hormone plays an important role in various bodily functions, so inhibiting its production can have various effects on the body. 8

Common Side Effects

Liver Damage

PTU can cause liver damage. 6 , 16 , 13

Vasculitis

PTU can cause vasculitis. Vasculitis is inflammation of blood vessels, and it can affect various organs. 6 , 25 , 26 , 12 , 2

Skin Reactions

PTU can cause skin reactions. Skin reactions include rash, itching, and hives. 1 , 25 , 24 , 2

Leukopenia

PTU can cause leukopenia. Leukopenia is a condition in which the number of white blood cells decreases, making the person more susceptible to infection. 27 , 8 , 20

Agranulocytosis

PTU can cause agranulocytosis. Agranulocytosis is a condition in which the number of granulocytes, a type of white blood cell, decreases, making the person more susceptible to infection. 27 , 8

Gastrointestinal Symptoms

PTU can cause gastrointestinal symptoms. Gastrointestinal symptoms include nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. 27 , 18

Goiter

PTU can cause goiter. Goiter is a condition in which the thyroid gland swells, which can cause swelling in the neck or difficulty breathing. 21

Countermeasures for Side Effects

Countermeasures for Liver Damage

If liver damage is suspected, stop taking PTU and follow your doctor's instructions. 16 , 13

Countermeasures for Vasculitis

If vasculitis is suspected, stop taking PTU and anti-inflammatory drugs such as steroids may be needed. 6 , 25 , 26 , 12 , 2

Countermeasures for Skin Reactions

If you have any concerns about skin reactions, consult your doctor. If necessary, antihistamines and other drugs may be prescribed. 1 , 25 , 24 , 2

Countermeasures for Leukopenia

If leukopenia is suspected, stop taking PTU and follow your doctor's instructions. 27 , 8 , 20

Countermeasures for Agranulocytosis

If agranulocytosis is suspected, stop taking PTU and follow your doctor's instructions. 27 , 8

Countermeasures for Gastrointestinal Symptoms

If you have any concerns about gastrointestinal symptoms, consult your doctor. If necessary, antiemetics and other drugs may be prescribed. 27 , 18

Countermeasures for Goiter

If goiter is suspected, stop taking PTU and follow your doctor's instructions. 21

Comparison Between Studies

Commonalities Between Studies

Many studies have shown that PTU can cause side effects such as liver damage, vasculitis, skin reactions, leukopenia, agranulocytosis, and gastrointestinal symptoms. 1 , 6 , 25 , 26 , 18 , 16 , 24 , 2 , 27 , 8 , 20 , 13 , 21

Differences Between Studies

The frequency and severity of PTU side effects may vary from patient to patient. The dosage and duration of PTU administration may also affect the incidence and severity of side effects. 1 , 6 , 25 , 26 , 18 , 16 , 24 , 2 , 27 , 8 , 20 , 13 , 21

Precautions for Applying to Real Life

PTU is an effective drug for treating hyperthyroidism, but it can cause a variety of side effects. When taking PTU, it is important to talk to your doctor about the side effects and follow their instructions. If you experience any changes in your health while taking PTU, consult your doctor immediately. 1 , 6 , 25 , 26 , 18 , 16 , 24 , 2 , 27 , 8 , 20 , 13 , 21

Limitations of Current Research

Research on PTU side effects is still not sufficient. In particular, research on the long-term side effects of PTU is lacking. 1 , 6 , 25 , 26 , 18 , 16 , 24 , 2 , 27 , 8 , 20 , 13 , 21

Future Research Directions

Research on the long-term side effects of PTU is needed. Developing methods to reduce PTU side effects and developing alternative drugs for PTU are also future challenges. 1 , 6 , 25 , 26 , 18 , 16 , 24 , 2 , 27 , 8 , 20 , 13 , 21

Conclusion

PTU is an effective drug for treating hyperthyroidism, but it can cause a variety of side effects. When taking PTU, it is important to talk to your doctor about the side effects and follow their instructions. 1 , 6 , 25 , 26 , 18 , 16 , 24 , 2 , 27 , 8 , 20 , 13 , 21

Keywords
Benefit Keywords
Vasculitis treatment
2
Hyperthyroidism control
3
Treat hyperthyroidism
5
Treat hyperthyroidism
8
Diagnosis of congenital hypothyroidism
Diagnosis of hyperthyroidism
Diagnosis of thyroid nodules
Treatment of Graves' disease
9
Adequate foetal thyroid hormone delivery
Control of hyperthyroidism
Optimal thyroid disease outcomes
10
Graves' disease treatment
11
Treats hyperthyroidism
12
Carbimazole alternative
Thyrotoxicosis treatment
13
Psoriasis treatment
14
Hyperthyroidism treatment
16
Hyperthyroidism treatment
17
Thyroidectomy for hyperthyroidism
20
GD treatment
22
Graves' disease remission
23
Hyperthyroidism treatment
24
Hyperthyroidism treatment
25
Hyperthyroidism treatment
Hypothyroidism treatment
27
Risk Keywords
Antithyroid drug side effects
1
PTU side effects
2
Facial excoriation
GI upset
Glomerular filtration drop
Liver enzyme elevation
Myasthenia gravis
Neutropenia
Thrombocytopenia
Warfarin-like coagulopathy
3
Carcinogenicity
4
Birth defects
5
Neutrophilic dermatosis
p-ANCA
6
Vasculitis risk
7
Agranulocytosis
Aplastic anemia
Arthralgia
Hypothyroidism
Liver injury
Polyarthritis
Rash
Teratogenic risk
Vasculitis
8
Airway obstruction
Graves' ophthalmopathy
Hyperthyroidism aggravation
9
Birth defects
Foetal exposure to antithyroid drugs
10
Liver function
Neutropenia
11
CNS symptoms
Cerebral vasculitis
Pulmonary hemorrhage
Vasculitis
12
Carbimazole hepatotoxicity
Cholestatic hepatitis
13
Fetal/infant cardiovascular events
MMI embryopathy
15
Birth defects
Elevated transaminase
Liver injury
16
Hypothyroidism risk
17
Severe diarrhea
18
Agranulocytosis
Birth defects
Liver failure
19
Antithyroid drug side effects
20
Neonatal goiter
21
Fetal complications
Teratogenic effects
22
Goiter
High relapse rate
Ophthalmopathy
23
Agranulocytosis
Hepatotoxicity
Pruritus
Rash
24
Vasculitis
25
Anemia
Diffuse alveolar hemorrhage
Pulmonary disorders
Respiratory failure
26
Hepatitis
Vasculitis
27
Glomerulonephritis
Vasculitis
28
Literature analysis of 28 papers
Positive Content
14
Neutral Content
4
Negative Content
10
Article Type
1
1
1
7
24
1.

Hepatotoxicity and cutaneous reactions after antithyroid drug administration.

Author: OtsukaFumiko, NohJaeduk Y, ChinoToshiko, ShimizuTaeko, MukasaKoji, ItoKunihiko, ItoKoichi, TaniyamaMatsuo

Antithyroid drug side effects

This study investigated side effects associated with the first and second antithyroid drugs (ATDs) used in patients. The study highlights the high frequency of side effects associated with thiamazole (MMI) and propylthiouracil (PTU).

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
Randomized Controlled TrialA clinical trial that randomly assigns participants to treatment and control groups to evaluate the effects of an intervention.

Language : English

2.

[Leukocytoclastic vasculitis as an adverse effect of propylthiouracil. A case report].

Author: Cortés-GuzmánJosé Santiago, VelozaKaren T, DomínguezJuan D, Pinzón-TovarAlejandro

Vasculitis treatment
PTU side effects

PTU can cause leukocytoclastic vasculitis. In cases without systemic involvement, PTU suspension is sufficient to cure the disease.

Case ReportsIn the medical field, a report that describes in detail a unique case, an unusual medical condition, or the effect of a treatment. Provides new insights and possibilities for treatment through individual patient cases.
English AbstractA summary of a research paper/publication written in English for a wider audience.

Language : Spanish

3.

Medical management of hyperthyroidism.

Author: TrepanierLauren A

Hyperthyroidism control
Facial excoriation
GI upset
Glomerular filtration drop
Liver enzyme elevation
Myasthenia gravis
Neutropenia
Thrombocytopenia
Warfarin-like coagulopathy

Radioiodine is the treatment of choice for hyperthyroidism in cats, but methimazole therapy is preferred in some situations. Methimazole can cause gastrointestinal upset, facial excoriation, thrombocytopenia, neutropenia, and liver enzyme elevations.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov'tResearch funding provided by government agencies outside the United States.
ReviewAn article that critically examines existing research on a particular topic and summarizes the current state of knowledge in the field.

Language : English

4.

Epidemiologic evaluation of pharmaceuticals with limited evidence of carcinogenicity.

Author: FriedmanGary D, JiangSheng-Fang, UdaltsovaNatalia, QuesenberryCharles P, ChanJames, HabelLaurel A

Carcinogenicity

This study evaluated 9 pharmaceuticals classified as probably or possibly carcinogenic to humans for evidence of carcinogenicity in patients receiving them. Some supportive evidence was found for carcinogenicity of griseofulvin, metronidazole, and phenytoin.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
Research Support, N.I.H., ExtramuralResearch funding provided by the NIH to external research institutions and researchers.

Language : English

5.

Antithyroid drugs and birth defects.

Author: AndersenStine Linding, AndersenStig

Treat hyperthyroidism
Birth defects

This review examines the current evidence on the risk of birth defects associated with antithyroid drugs (ATDs) used in early pregnancy. The findings suggest a risk of birth defects associated with Methimazole, while more evidence is needed for Propylthiouracil.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
ReviewAn article that critically examines existing research on a particular topic and summarizes the current state of knowledge in the field.

Language : English

6.

[Neutrophilic dermatosis associated with propylthiouracil-induced p-ANCA (p-antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies)].

Author: Boulenger-VazelA, Kupfer-BessaguetI, GouedardC, LeberreR, LeroyJ P, SonnetE, DesvignesO, MiseryL, SassolasB

Neutrophilic dermatosis
p-ANCA

This case report describes a patient who developed polymorphic expressions of neutrophilic dermatosis while receiving propylthiouracil for hyperthyroidism. This association, involving Sneddon-Wilkinson subcorneal pustulosis and pyoderma gangrenosum, has not been previously reported.

Case ReportsIn the medical field, a report that describes in detail a unique case, an unusual medical condition, or the effect of a treatment. Provides new insights and possibilities for treatment through individual patient cases.
English AbstractA summary of a research paper/publication written in English for a wider audience.
Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.

Language : French

7.

[Antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody associated vasculitis: an uncommon side effect of propylthiouracil].

Author: PasquetF, PavicM, MounierC, KarkowskiL, ColleB

Vasculitis risk

ANCA associated vasculitis is an unusual complication of propylthiouracil. Prognosis is conditioned by renal and pulmonary involvement.

Case ReportsIn the medical field, a report that describes in detail a unique case, an unusual medical condition, or the effect of a treatment. Provides new insights and possibilities for treatment through individual patient cases.
English AbstractA summary of a research paper/publication written in English for a wider audience.
Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.

Language : French

8.

[Pharmacotherapy of hyperthyreosis--adverse drug reactions].

Author: PergerLudwig, BürgiUlrich, FattingerKarin

Treat hyperthyroidism
Agranulocytosis
Aplastic anemia
Arthralgia
Hypothyroidism
Liver injury
Polyarthritis
Rash
Teratogenic risk
Vasculitis

Antithyroid drugs, such as thioimidazoles and propylthiouracil, can cause a variety of side effects, including hypothyroidism, skin rash, neutropenia, agranulocytosis, aplastic anemia, liver injury, and arthralgias.

English AbstractA summary of a research paper/publication written in English for a wider audience.
Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
ReviewAn article that critically examines existing research on a particular topic and summarizes the current state of knowledge in the field.

Language : German

10.

Preconception management of thyroid dysfunction.

Author: OkosiemeOnyebuchi E, KhanIshrat, TaylorPeter N

Adequate foetal thyroid hormone delivery
Control of hyperthyroidism
Optimal thyroid disease outcomes
Birth defects
Foetal exposure to antithyroid drugs

Preconception thyroid hormone therapy in women with hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism is critical for optimal thyroid disease outcomes in pregnancy.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
ReviewAn article that critically examines existing research on a particular topic and summarizes the current state of knowledge in the field.

Language : English

11.

Graves' disease in children.

Author: LégerJuliane, OliverIsabelle, RodrigueDanielle, LambertAnne-Sophie, CoutantRégis

Graves' disease treatment
Liver function
Neutropenia

This guideline summarizes the diagnosis, management, and treatment of Graves' disease in children.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
Practice GuidelineGuidelines and recommendations for the diagnosis and treatment of specific medical conditions in medical practice.
ReviewAn article that critically examines existing research on a particular topic and summarizes the current state of knowledge in the field.

Language : English

14.

Clinical efficacy of propylthiouracil and its influence on prolactin in psoriatic patients.

Author: MalligarjunanHemamalini, GnanarajPushpa, SubramanianSwapna, ElangoTamilselvi, DayalanHaripriya

Psoriasis treatment

Propylthiouracil (PTU) is an effective drug for psoriasis treatment. PTU was found to significantly reduce prolactin levels in psoriatic patients, suggesting an antiproliferative effect on keratinocytes.

Controlled Clinical TrialA clinical trial that evaluates the effectiveness of a treatment by comparing a group that receives the intervention with a group that receives a placebo or standard treatment.
Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov'tResearch funding provided by government agencies outside the United States.

Language : English

16.

SIDE EFFECTS OF PTU AND MMI IN THE TREATMENT OF HYPERTHYROIDISM: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW AND META-ANALYSIS.

Author: YuWenshu, WuNa, LiLing, WangJunwu, OuYangHong, ShenHaitao

Hyperthyroidism treatment
Birth defects
Elevated transaminase
Liver injury

This meta-analysis compared the adverse effects of propylthiouracil (PTU) and methimazole (MMI)/carbimazole (CMZ) in treating hyperthyroidism.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
Meta-AnalysisA statistical technique that integrates the results of multiple studies to draw more general conclusions about a particular issue.
Systematic ReviewA review that systematically collects, evaluates, and integrates relevant research to answer a specific research question.

Language : English

17.

Persistent remission of Graves` disease or evolution from Graves' disease to Hashimoto's thyroiditis in childhood - a report of 6 cases and clinical implications.

Author: SmyczńyskaJoanna, Cyniak-MagierskaAnna, StasiakMagdalena, Karbownik-LewińskaMałgorzata, LewińskiAndrzej

Hyperthyroidism treatment
Hypothyroidism risk

This article discusses the clinical manifestations, treatment, and management of autoimmune thyroid diseases, particularly Graves' disease (GD) and Hashimoto's thyroiditis (HT), in children. The article highlights the need for careful consideration of radical therapy options (surgery or 131I treatment) in children, as well as the potential for spontaneous evolution from GD to HT.

Case ReportsIn the medical field, a report that describes in detail a unique case, an unusual medical condition, or the effect of a treatment. Provides new insights and possibilities for treatment through individual patient cases.
Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov'tResearch funding provided by government agencies outside the United States.

Language : English

18.

Lactose intolerance following antithyroid drug medications.

Author: PetriniL, UsaiP, CaradonnaA, CabulaR, MariottiS

Severe diarrhea

This study reports two cases of severe diarrhea in women with Graves' disease after taking thionamide tablets containing lactose. The diarrhea resolved when they switched to lactose-free tablets. This highlights the importance of considering lactose intolerance as a possible cause of gastrointestinal symptoms in patients taking thionamide therapy.

Case ReportsIn the medical field, a report that describes in detail a unique case, an unusual medical condition, or the effect of a treatment. Provides new insights and possibilities for treatment through individual patient cases.
Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.

Language : English

19.

Antithyroid Drug Side Effects in the Population and in Pregnancy.

Author: AndersenStine Linding, OlsenJørn, LaurbergPeter

Agranulocytosis
Birth defects
Liver failure

Methimazole and propylthiouracil, antithyroid drugs, are associated with birth defects, agranulocytosis, and liver failure, though the frequency of these side effects remains to be fully elucidated.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.

Language : English

20.

[Rare side effects in management of hyperthyroidism. Case report].

Author: SohárGábor, KovácsMónika, GyörkösAndrea, GasztonyiBeáta

Thyroidectomy for hyperthyroidism
Antithyroid drug side effects

This case report highlights the challenges and complications in the management of hyperthyroidism. The patient experienced propylthiouracyl-induced vasculitis, agranulocytosis, and ultimately underwent a successful thyroidectomy.

Case ReportsIn the medical field, a report that describes in detail a unique case, an unusual medical condition, or the effect of a treatment. Provides new insights and possibilities for treatment through individual patient cases.
English AbstractA summary of a research paper/publication written in English for a wider audience.
Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.

Language : Hungarian

21.

Propylthiouracil-Induced Neonatal Goiter: An Avoidable Problem.

Author: SabooKeyur, GemnaniRinkle R, ManujaNishtha, KumarSunil, AcharyaSourya

Neonatal goiter

A newborn presented with goiter caused by maternal exposure to propylthiouracil (PTU) during pregnancy. This case highlights the importance of careful thyroid function monitoring in newborns exposed to PTU and raises questions about PTU's suitability as first-line treatment for maternal Graves' disease.

Case ReportsIn the medical field, a report that describes in detail a unique case, an unusual medical condition, or the effect of a treatment. Provides new insights and possibilities for treatment through individual patient cases.

Language : English

22.

Hyperthyroidism in pregnancy: design and methodology of a Danish multicenter study.

Author: TorpNanna Maria Uldall, PedersenInge Bülow, CarléAllan, KarmisholtJesper Scott, EbbehøjEva, Grove-LaugesenDiana, BrixThomas Heiberg, BonnemaSteen Joop, SchrijversBieke F, NygaardBirte, SigurdLena Bjergved, Feldt-RasmussenUlla, KloseMarianne, RasmussenÅse Krogh, AndersenStig, AndersenStine Linding

GD treatment
Fetal complications
Teratogenic effects

Graves' disease is the main cause of hyperthyroidism in women of reproductive age. Untreated hyperthyroidism during pregnancy can have negative effects on both the mother and fetus, and recent studies suggest a risk of birth defects with antithyroid drug use. More research is needed to understand the risks and benefits of treatment options for pregnant women with Graves' disease.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.

Language : English

24.

Desensitization to Methimazole.

Author: MazhariAlaleh, EmanueleMary Ann, EspirituBaltazar

Hyperthyroidism treatment
Agranulocytosis
Hepatotoxicity
Pruritus
Rash

This report describes a patient with hyperthyroidism who experienced rash and itching with methimazole treatment. The patient underwent successful methimazole desensitization, allowing continued treatment.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.

Language : English

25.

Carbimazole induced ANCA positive vasculitis.

Author: PandeyS, KushwahaR S, MehndirattaP, MehndirattaM M

Hyperthyroidism treatment
Vasculitis

A patient with Graves' disease developed antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA)-positive carbimazole-induced vasculitis. This case highlights the importance of being aware of the potential side effects of anti-thyroid medications.

Case ReportsIn the medical field, a report that describes in detail a unique case, an unusual medical condition, or the effect of a treatment. Provides new insights and possibilities for treatment through individual patient cases.
Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.

Language : English

26.

Diffuse alveolar haemorrhage secondary to propylthiouracil-induced vasculitis.

Author: FerreiraCatarina, CostaTeresa, MarquesAna Vieira

Anemia
Diffuse alveolar hemorrhage
Pulmonary disorders
Respiratory failure

Propylthiouracil is a medication used to treat hyperthyroidism. Although rare, it can cause severe pulmonary problems, such as diffuse alveolar hemorrhage, resulting in respiratory failure and anemia. In this case report, a woman treated with propylthiouracil experienced these complications, which improved after discontinuing the drug and starting systemic corticosteroid therapy.

Case ReportsIn the medical field, a report that describes in detail a unique case, an unusual medical condition, or the effect of a treatment. Provides new insights and possibilities for treatment through individual patient cases.
Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.

Language : English

27.

Safety of medications and hormones used in the treatment of pediatric thyroid disorders.

Author: Beck-PeccozPaolo, PersaniLuca, LaFranchiStephen

Hyperthyroidism treatment
Hypothyroidism treatment
Hepatitis
Vasculitis

This study examined the use of levo-thyroxine (L-T4) and antithyroid drugs for the treatment of hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism in children. L-T4 is a safe and beneficial treatment that can be easily monitored by the concomitant measurement of TSH and free thyroid hormone levels.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
ReviewAn article that critically examines existing research on a particular topic and summarizes the current state of knowledge in the field.

Language : English

28.

Propylthiouracil-induced vasculitis associated with ANCA: a case report.

Author: YukselCuneyt, AyliM Deniz, YukselAydan, AtilganK Gokhan, DedeFatih, GulerSerdar, MemisLeyla, DuranayMurat

Glomerulonephritis
Vasculitis

Propylthiouracil can cause rapidly progressive glomerulonephritis, a rare but serious side effect.

Case ReportsIn the medical field, a report that describes in detail a unique case, an unusual medical condition, or the effect of a treatment. Provides new insights and possibilities for treatment through individual patient cases.
Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.

Language : English

This site uses cookies. Visit our privacy policy page or click the link in any footer for more information and to change your preferences.