What is "propylthiouracil"

n. (context organic compound English) A thioamide drug, used to treat hyperthyroidism by decreasing the amount of thyroid hormone produced by the thyroid gland, which is associated with a risk of agranulocytosis.

n. a crystalline compound used as an antithyroid drug in the treatment of goiter

Propylthiouracil (PTU) or 6-n-propylthiouracil (PROP) is a thiouracil-derived drug used to treat hyperthyroidism (including Graves' disease) by decreasing the amount of thyroid hormone produced by the thyroid gland. Its notable side effects include a risk of agranulocytosis and aplastic anemia.

On 3 June 2009, the FDA published an alert "notifying healthcare professionals of the risk of serious liver injury, including liver failure and death, with the use of propylthiouracil." As a result, propylthiouracil is no longer recommended in non-pregnant adults and in children as the front line antithyroid medication.

It is on the World Health Organization's List of Essential Medicines, a list of the most important medications needed in a basic health system.[3]