Pricing
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Thiocil is indicated for:
Pharmacology
Propylthiouracil works by blocking the making of thyroid hormones, which is why it helps in treating hyperthyroidism. It doesn't inactivate the thyroxine and triiodothyronine that are already stored in the thyroid or circulating in the blood. It also doesn't interfere with how well thyroid hormones work when they are given by mouth or by injection.
Propylthiouracil also stops thyroxine from being converted to triiodothyronine in peripheral tissues, so it may be an effective treatment for thyroid storm.
Dosage Reference
Reference Information Only
Dosages shown are general references from official sources. Always consult your doctor or pharmacist for personalized dosing.
Adults:
Propylthiouracil is taken by mouth. The total daily dose is usually split into 3 equal doses, taken about 8 hours apart.
Adults: The starting dose is 300 mg daily. If a patient has severe hyperthyroidism, a very large goiter, or both, the starting dose may be raised to 400 mg daily. An occasional patient will need 600 to 900 mg daily at the start. The usual maintenance dose is 100 to 150 mg daily.
Pediatric patients: Propylthiouracil is generally not recommended for children, except in rare cases where other treatments are not suitable. Studies to find the right dosing regimen haven't been done in children. General practice suggests starting at 50 mg daily in patients 6 years or older, then raising the dose carefully according to the clinical response and the TSH and free T4 levels. Severe liver injury has been reported with doses as low as 50 mg/day, though most cases were linked to doses of 300 mg/day and higher.
Geriatric patients: Reported clinical experience has not found differences in response between elderly and younger patients. Still, the dose for an elderly patient should be chosen with caution, because decreased liver, kidney or heart function is more common in this age group, as are other diseases and other drug therapy.
Side Effects
Common side effects of propylthiouracil are rash, urticaria, pruritus, abnormal hair loss, skin pigmentation, edema, nausea, vomiting, epigastric distress, loss of taste, arthralgia, myalgia, paresthesia and headache. Leucopenia, agranulocytosis, hepatitis and hepatic failure are also listed as common. Rare side effects include aplastic anaemia, drug fever, lupus-like syndrome, severe hepatic reactions, periarteritis, hypoprothrombinaemia, thrombocytopenia and bleeding, nephritis, interstitial pneumonitis, vasculitis and polymyositis.
Cautions & Contraindications
Warnings & Precautions
Propylthiouracil (PTU) can cause agranulocytosis, so patients should be told to report to their doctor straight away if they get a sore throat, fever, mouth ulcers, malaise, a vague feeling of being unwell, or any other sign of infection. A full blood count should be done, and treatment should be stopped immediately if there is clinical or laboratory evidence of neutropenia. PTU may cause hypothrombinaemia and bleeding, so prothrombin time should be monitored during treatment, especially before surgery. Severe liver reactions have been reported with PTU, in both adults and children. Some of these were fatal and some needed a liver transplant. In most cases the liver reaction came on within 6 months. If significant hepatic enzyme abnormalities develop during treatment, PTU should be stopped immediately. PTU should be used with caution in patients with renal impairment or hepatic disease.
Contraindications
Don't give Propylthiouracil to anyone who is hypersensitive to the drug itself or to any of the other components in the product.
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
Propylthiouracil crosses the placenta, so it can cause goiter and hypothyroidism in the baby before birth. The dose should be kept as low as possible, and the doctor needs to weigh the mother's needs carefully against the risk to the baby. A small amount of propylthiouracil passes into breast milk. For that reason, if a nursing mother is taking this medicine, the baby's development should be watched closely.
⚠️ Talk to your doctor before taking any medicine during pregnancy or while breastfeeding.
Use in Special Populations
Children and adolescents should not usually be given Propylthiouracil. The only exception is a rare case where methimazole is not well tolerated and surgery or radioactive iodine therapy is not suitable. If a child does need Propylthiouracil, the parents and the patient should be told about the risk of liver failure.
Overdose
An overdose of Propylthiouracil can cause nausea, vomiting, epigastric distress, headache, fever, arthralgia, pruritus, edema and pancytopenia. The most severe effect that can follow acute Propylthiouracil toxicity is agranulocytosis. If someone has taken an overdose, start appropriate supportive treatment, guided by the patient's medical status.
⚠️ In an emergency call 999 or go to the nearest hospital emergency department.
Storage
Keep Propylthiouracil in a cool, dry place below 30°C, away from light and out of children's reach.
Drug Interactions
Common questions about Thiocil 50 mg
What is Thiocil 50 mg Tablet?
Thiocil 50 mg Tablet is a medicine that contains Propylthiouracil. It is made by Incepta Pharmaceuticals Ltd. It belongs to the Thyroid drugs & hormone group of medicines.
What is Thiocil used for?
Thiocil is used for: Hyperthyroidism.
What are the side effects of Thiocil?
Common side effects of propylthiouracil are rash, urticaria, pruritus, abnormal hair loss, skin pigmentation, edema, nausea, vomiting, epigastric distress, loss of taste, arthralgia, myalgia, paresthesia and headache. Leucopenia, agranulocytosis, hepatitis and hepatic failure are also listed as common.
Can I take Thiocil during pregnancy or while breastfeeding?
Propylthiouracil crosses the placenta, so it can cause goiter and hypothyroidism in the baby before birth. The dose should be kept as low as possible, and the doctor needs to weigh the mother's needs carefully against the risk to the baby. Talk to your doctor before taking any medicine during pregnancy or while breastfeeding.
What happens if I take too much Thiocil?
An overdose of Propylthiouracil can cause nausea, vomiting, epigastric distress, headache, fever, arthralgia, pruritus, edema and pancytopenia. The most severe effect that can follow acute Propylthiouracil toxicity is agranulocytosis. In an emergency call 999 or go to the nearest hospital emergency department.
How should I store Thiocil?
Keep Propylthiouracil in a cool, dry place below 30°C, away from light and out of children's reach.
Can I take other medicines with Thiocil?
Some medicines can interact with Propylthiouracil, for example: Theophylline, Warfarin Sodium. Tell your doctor or pharmacist about every medicine you take.
Is there a cheaper medicine with the same ingredient?
Thiocil is already among the lowest-priced brands of Propylthiouracil at this strength.
Do I need a prescription for Thiocil?
Thiocil is a prescription (Rx) medicine. Take it as your doctor advises.