PTU

Medical abbreviation · Drug

PTU
Stands forPropylthiouracil
CategoriesMedical

PTU stands for Propylthiouracil, a drug abbreviation.

Antithyroid drug for hyperthyroidism, preferred in the first trimester of pregnancy and in thyroid storm, because it also blocks conversion of T4 to the more active T3. Otherwise methimazole is the first choice.

Example: Thyroid storm: PTU 500 mg load then 250 mg q4h, plus propranolol.

Usage notes

An FDA boxed warning since 2010 cites severe liver injury and liver failure, which is why PTU is reserved for specific situations. ISMP lists PTU as error-prone because it has been mistaken for mercaptopurine (6-MP). Both PTU and methimazole can cause agranulocytosis, so patients report fever or sore throat at once.

More drug abbreviations

  • PGE1 – Prostaglandin E1 (alprostadil)
  • PGE2 – Prostaglandin E2 (dinoprostone)
  • PHT – Phenytoin
  • pip-tazo – Piperacillin-tazobactam
  • PNV – Prenatal vitamin
  • PSE – Pseudoephedrine
  • PVP-I – Povidone-iodine
  • PZA – Pyrazinamide
  • RAL – Raltegravir
  • rFVIIa – Recombinant activated factor VII
  • RhIG – Rho(D) immune globulin
  • RIF – Rifampin

See all 170 drug abbreviations →

Edited by the AbbreviationList.com team. Spotted an error or a missing meaning? Contact us.

This entry is for general education and is not medical advice. Abbreviation use varies between institutions; always confirm in context.