Propylthiouracil is a thiourea antithyroid agent used to treat hyperthyroidism. Propythiouracil inhibits the synthesis of thyroxine and inhibits the peripheral conversion of throxine to tri-iodothyronine.
- Mechanism
- Curator reviewed
Propylthiouracil binds to thyroid peroxidase and thereby inhibits the conversion of iodide to iodine. Thyroid peroxidase normally converts iodide to iodine (via hydrogen peroxide as a cofactor) and also catalyzes the incorporation of the resulting iodide molecule onto both the 3 and/or 5 positions of the phenol rings of tyrosines found in thyroglobulin. Thyroglobulin is degraded to produce thyroxine (T4) and tri-iodothyronine (T3), which are the main hormones produced by the thyroid gland. Therefore propylthiouracil effectively inhibits the production of new thyroid hormones.
- Primary indication
- Used to manage hyperthyroidism which is due to an overactive thyroid gland (Grave's disease).Curator reviewed · 5 structured indications
- Formula / weight
- C7H10N2OS · 170.232 g/mol (avg)
- First approval
- Canada, 2002 · United States, 1947
- Also known as
- 6-Propylthiouracil
- Code names
- NSC-6498 · NSC-70461
Resolves to
KNAHARQHSZJURB-UHFFFAOYSA-NSMILESCCCC1=CC(=O)NC(=S)N1What you can answer from here — as of September 23, 2026
Which drugs share a target with Propylthiouracil, and which of those have an active Phase 3 trial?
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