- Current location:Home page >> Western medicine
propylthiouracil
2026-03-28 12:15:26
Overview and clinical application of propylthiouracil
Propylthiouracil (PTU) is aantithyroid drugs, mainly used to treatHyperthyroidism (hyperthyroidism), works by inhibiting the synthesis of thyroid hormones. Its core content includesPharmacological mechanism, indications, usage and dosage, adverse reactions and precautions, of which pharmacological mechanisms and clinical applications are the focus. The secondary content involves manufacturers, drug comparisons, and medication recommendations for special populations. The following will be developed in layers to ensure that the information is comprehensive and easy to understand.
Pharmacological mechanisms and indications

propylthiouracil passedInhibit thyroid peroxidase, blocks the synthesis of thyroid hormones (T3, T4), thereby alleviating the symptoms of hyperthyroidism. It can also inhibit the conversion of T4 to the more active T3 in peripheral tissues and is suitable forGraves' disease, thyroid storm and preoperative preparation. Compared with other antithyroid drugs (such as methimazole), PTU has a faster onset of action, but has a higher risk of liver toxicity, so it needs to be selected with caution. In clinical practice, we usually start with a small dose and adjust the medication regimen according to the condition.
Usage, dosage and adverse reactions
The initial dose for adults is usually100-150mg/time, 3 times a day, and gradually reduce the dose after symptoms are controlled. Children need to adjust dosage according to body weight. Common adverse reactions includeRash, arthralgia, neutropenia, and liver damage, it may cause liver failure in severe cases, and liver function needs to be monitored regularly. Pregnant and lactating women should use it under the guidance of a doctor to avoid affecting the fetus or baby. It is necessary to avoid foods high in iodine while taking the medicine to prevent it from affecting the efficacy of the medicine.
Manufacturer and drug comparison
Domestic manufacturers of propylthiouracil includeShanghai Fosun Pharmaceutical, Guangzhou Baiyunshan Pharmaceuticaletc., the common trade name is "propylthiouracil tablets". Compared with methimazole, PTU is more suitable for thyroid storm and early pregnancy (methhimazole may be teratogenic), but it is less safe for long-term use. The following table lists the main differences between the two drugs:
| Comparative item | propylthiouracil | Methimazole |
|---|---|---|
| Functional characteristics | Inhibits T4→T3 conversion and takes effect quickly | Long-acting, once daily administration |
| Hepatotoxicity risk | higher | lower |
| Use during pregnancy | First choice in early pregnancy | Safer in second and third trimesters of pregnancy |
Summary and Notes
Propylthiouracil is an important drug in the treatment of hyperthyroidism, but it must be strictly followedPrinciples of personalized medicine, be alert to liver damage and agranulocytosis. Patients are not allowed to adjust the dosage on their own and need to regularly review thyroid function and blood routine. For hyperthyroidism during pregnancy, the pros and cons should be weighed under the guidance of an endocrinologist. In addition, medicines need to be kept sealed and protected from light to prevent them from becoming ineffective due to moisture. Through rational medication use and monitoring, PTU can effectively control the symptoms of hyperthyroidism and improve patients' quality of life.
Citing sources
1. Literature: "Guidelines for the Diagnosis and Treatment of Thyroid Diseases in China" (Endocrinology Branch of the Chinese Medical Association) 2. Manufacturer: Shanghai Fosun Pharmaceutical (trade name: Propylthiouracil Tablets), Guangzhou Baiyunshan Pharmaceutical 3. Pharmacological data reference: Goodman & Gilman's "Basics of Pharmacology" 12th edition
Relevant knowledge
- 2026-04-05Spironolactone
- 2026-04-05Dutasteride
- 2026-04-05finasteride
- 2026-04-05Tamsulosin
- 2026-04-05Solinacin
- 2026-04-04tolterodine
- 2026-04-04Oxycodone
- 2026-04-04Fentanyl
- 2026-04-03Morphine
- 2026-04-03tramadol
- 2026-04-03etoricoxib
- 2026-04-03Meloxicam
- 2026-04-02Indomethacin
- 2026-04-02Acetaminophen
- 2026-04-02celecoxib
- 2026-04-02Diclofenac
- 2026-04-01Ibuprofen
- 2026-04-01Sulfasalazine
Chinese medicinal materials
More-
View
The efficacy and function of Zheergen
The efficacy and function of Zheer root: a natural product for both medicinal and food purposesZheergen, whose scientific name is Houttuynia cordata, is not only a traditional Chinese medicinal material, but also a common wild vegetable in the south. Its core functions include clearing away heat and detoxification, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory, diuretic and reducing swelling, and its secondary functions include enhancing immunity and assisting in lowering blood sugar. The primary and seco
-
View
The efficacy and role of talc
Overview of the efficacy and functions of talcTalc is a natural mineral. According to traditional Chinese medicine, it is sweet, light, and cold in nature and belongs to the bladder, lung, and stomach meridians.Diuretic and relieve stranguria, clear away heat and relieve summer heat, remove dampness and reduce soresIt has other functions and is widely used in the treatment of urinary system diseases, skin problems and excessive thirst during summer heat. Modern research also shows that talc has
-
View
Efficacy and functions of radish
Overview of the efficacy and functions of radishAs a traditional Chinese medicinal material, radish has the functions of clearing away heat and detoxifying, reducing swelling and relieving pain, dispelling wind and removing dampness. It is mainly used to treat sore throat, rheumatic paralysis and skin ulcers. Its medicinal value is concentrated in the whole plant or root, and modern research has also found that it contains antioxidant and anti-inflammatory active ingredients. In terms of content
-
View
The efficacy and functions of radish seeds
The efficacy and function of radish seeds: a natural medicine for regulating qi and reducing phlegm, eliminating food and swelling.Radish seed is the dried and mature seed of radish, a cruciferous plant. Traditional Chinese medicine believes that it has a mild nature and a pungent and sweet taste, and it belongs to the lung, spleen and stomach meridians.Digest food and resolve accumulation, reduce qi and resolve phlegm, relieve constipation and exhaust gasIt is especially good at relieving probl
-
View
The efficacy and function of iron tree fruit
Overview of the efficacy and functions of Iron Tree FruitIron tree fruit is the seed of a Cycadaceae plant. It is considered to have certain medicinal value in traditional medicine, but it should be used with caution. Its main functions includeAstringent and hemostasis, dispelling wind and activating collaterals, folk medicine is also used to relieve joint pain or traumatic bleeding. It is worth noting that iron tree fruit contains trace amounts of toxins and cannot be eaten directly. It needs t
-
View
Pomegranate peel benefits and functions
Overview of the efficacy and functions of pomegranate peelPomegranate peel, the dried outer rind of the pomegranate fruit, has been shown to have a variety of medicinal properties in both traditional medicine and modern research. Its main functions includeAstringent and antidiarrheal, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory, anthelmintic, its secondary functions include antioxidant, assisting in lowering blood sugar, etc. The primary and secondary structure is clear: core applications focus on gastr
-
View
The efficacy and function of datura flowers
Overview of the efficacy and functions of datura flowersDatura flower is a plant with both medicinal and toxic properties. Its functions are mainly focused on analgesia, anesthesia, relieving cough and asthma, etc. However, because it contains alkaloid toxins, it should be used with caution. The main functions include:relieve pain(such as external use to treat rheumatic pain),Depress central nervous system(used for anesthesia in ancient times), followed byCough and expectorant(A small amount is
-
View
Efficacy and functions of Diuchangcao
Overview of the efficacy and functions of DiuchangcaoGelsemium elegans, scientific name: Gelsemium elegans, is a highly toxic Chinese medicinal material. In traditional medicine, it is occasionally used externally or taken internally in very small doses to treat stubborn diseases. Its main functions includeAnalgesic, anti-inflammatory, insecticidal, but because it is extremely toxic (contains gelsemenine), it must be used strictly according to the doctor's instructions. Modern research shows tha
-
View
The efficacy and function of Asparagus
Overview of the efficacy and functions of AsparagusAsparagus Asparagus (scientific name:Asparagus cochinchinensis), also known as Asparagus asparagus, is the dried root tuber of Asparagus Asparagus, a plant in the Liliaceae family. Traditional Chinese medicine believes that it is cold in nature, sweet and bitter in taste, and returns to the lung and kidney meridian. It has the functions of nourishing yin and moisturizing, clearing the lungs and reducing fire, producing body fluids and quenching
-
View
The efficacy and functions of Artemisia annua
Overview of the efficacy and functions of Artemisia annuaArtemisia annua is a traditional Chinese medicinal material that has the effects of clearing heat and detoxifying, cooling blood and removing steam, and intercepting malaria. It is especially famous for its anti-malarial effect. Its main active ingredient, artemisinin, is widely used in the treatment of malaria. In 2015, Tu Youyou won the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine for discovering artemisinin. In addition, Artemisia annua can al
-
View
The efficacy and function of Lelu
Overview of the efficacy and functions of LeluLulu is a traditional Chinese medicinal material that has the effects of clearing heat and detoxifying, reducing swelling and pus, and relieving breasts and dissipating stagnation. It is often used to treat symptoms such as sores, mastitis, and lactation obstruction. Its main active ingredients include volatile oils, flavonoids, etc. Modern research shows that it also has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. This article will focus on the core
-
View
Poria cocos efficacy and functions
The efficacy and function of Poria: a traditional medicinal material that strengthens the spleen, removes dampness, and calms the mind and calms the mind.Poria cocos is a traditional Chinese medicinal material with a long history. Its main functions are to strengthen the spleen, remove dampness, calm the mind and calm the mind. It is widely used in clinical TCM and daily health care. Its core functions include promoting water metabolism, improving loss of appetite caused by spleen deficiency and
