Propylthiouracil ^*

PTU, or propylthiouracil, is a prescription antithyroid medication used to manage hyperthyroidism, a condition in which the thyroid gland produces too much thyroid hormone. It works by reducing the thyroid gland’s ability to make thyroid hormones and can also help reduce conversion of T4 into the more active T3 hormone. PTU is commonly associated with the treatment of Graves’ disease and may be used when other treatments, such as methimazole, radioactive iodine, or surgery, are not suitable. In the United States, it is usually recognized by the generic name propylthiouracil or simply PTU, rather than by a widely used brand name. Because PTU can rarely cause serious liver injury and blood-related side effects, it should be used only under medical supervision.