Pharmacology of Propylthiouracil (PTU)

Questions and Answers

What is the therapeutic class of Propylthiouracil (PTU)?

Drug for hyperthyroidism

What is the pharmacologic class of Propylthiouracil (PTU)?

Antithyroid drug

Which of the following are other drugs in the same class as Propylthiouracil (PTU)? (Select all that apply)

Potassium Iodide (correct)

Radioactive Iodide (correct)

Sodium Thiosulfate

Methimazole (correct)

What is the pregnancy category of Propylthiouracil (PTU)?

Pregnancy Category D Signup and view all the answers

What are some uses of Propylthiouracil (PTU)? (Select all that apply)

Adjunct to RAI Signup and view all the answers

What action does Propylthiouracil (PTU) perform in the body?

Inhibits the synthesis of T3 and T4 and prevents conversion of T4 to T3 Signup and view all the answers

What is the route of administration for Propylthiouracil (PTU)?

PO Signup and view all the answers

What are the pharmacokinetics of Propylthiouracil (PTU)?

All of the above Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following are contraindications for Propylthiouracil (PTU)? (Select all that apply)

Pregnancy Signup and view all the answers

What are some adverse effects of Propylthiouracil (PTU)?

Nausea, diarrhea, weight gain, pruritis, dry skin, headache, numbness, drowsiness, depression, fever, leukopenia, edema, bradycardia, cold intolerance, hypothyroidism, agranulocytosis, liver injury, hepatitis Signup and view all the answers

Which substances can interact with Propylthiouracil (PTU)? (Select all that apply)

Digoxin Signup and view all the answers

What is the treatment for an overdose of Propylthiouracil (PTU)?

A thyroid agent to correct hypothyroidism, atropine for bradycardia, gastric lavage, sodium thiosulfate Signup and view all the answers

What are some nursing implications for administering Propylthiouracil (PTU)?

Take medication at same time each day, give with meals, monitor vital signs and weight, do not abruptly discontinue, monitor for signs and symptoms of hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Propylthiouracil (PTU) Overview

Used primarily as a therapeutic agent for hyperthyroidism.
Classified pharmacologically as an antithyroid drug.

Methimazole is the first-line treatment for hyperthyroidism.
Other drugs include potassium iodide and radioactive iodide.

Pregnancy and Safety

Pregnant women should avoid PTU as it is classified as Pregnancy Category D, indicating potential risks.

Clinical Uses

Effective in treating Graves' Disease.
Often used as an adjunct therapy for radioactive iodine (RAI) treatment.
Applicable in emergency situations for managing thyrotoxicosis.

Mechanism of Action

Inhibits synthesis of thyroid hormones T3 and T4.
Prevents the conversion of T4 to the more active T3 hormone.

Administration

Administered orally (PO).

Pharmacokinetics

Onset of action is 30-40 minutes, but therapeutic effects may take several weeks.
Peak plasma concentration occurs within 1-1.5 hours.
Duration of effect lasts 2-4 hours.

Contraindications

Contraindicated in pregnancy and lactation.
Not suitable for patients with hypothyroidism, severe immunosuppression, or liver failure.

Adverse Effects

Common side effects include nausea, diarrhea, weight gain, and pruritis.
May cause headache, numbness, drowsiness, depression, fever, leukopenia, and edema.
Can lead to severe complications like bradycardia, cold intolerance, liver injury, hepatitis, and agranulocytosis.

Drug Interactions

Increased risk of bleeding when used with anticoagulants.
Iodine-containing foods/supplements may reduce PTU's effectiveness.
Possible cross-sensitivity with Methimazole.
Interaction with digoxin can enhance glycoside effects.

Management of Overdose

Treatment includes administering thyroid agents to correct resultant hypothyroidism.
Atropine may be used for bradycardia.
Gastric lavage and sodium thiosulfate may assist in managing overdose complications.

Nursing Implications

Advise patients to take PTU at the same time daily, ideally with meals to minimize gastrointestinal upset.
Inform patients that therapeutic effects may take 3-12 weeks to manifest.
Regular monitoring of vital signs, weight, input/output, and complete blood count (CBC) is critical.
Caution against abruptly discontinuing medication; risk of thyroid crisis.
Monitor for signs of hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism symptoms.
Educate patients to avoid iodine-rich foods and to consult healthcare providers before taking any OTC medications.

Description

Explore the pharmacological aspects of Propylthiouracil (PTU), an antithyroid drug used primarily in the treatment of hyperthyroidism. Learn about its clinical uses, mechanism of action, safety in pregnancy, and related medications. This quiz provides insights into the administration and pharmacokinetics of PTU as well.