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Drug interactions

Propylthiouracil + Warfarin

Severity: Moderate

Propylthiouracil and Warfarin: moderate interaction.

Last updated

For healthcare professionals — reference only. This page is a brief summary, not medical advice and not a substitute for official labeling or clinical judgement. Always verify before prescribing or dispensing.

Summary

Treating hyperthyroidism changes the clearance of vitamin K-dependent clotting factors, so as patients become euthyroid the warfarin response is reduced and the INR may fall. Propylthiouracil itself may also rarely cause hypoprothrombinemia.

What this interaction means in plain words

Propylthiouracil and Warfarin can affect each other. The combination is often manageable, but it may need a change of dose, a change of timing, or extra checks while both are taken.

Propylthiouracil belongs to Endocrine; Warfarin belongs to Cardiovascular.

Evidence level: Moderate

Why it happens

Correcting hyperthyroidism slows clotting factor catabolism, decreasing warfarin sensitivity.

What to do

Monitor INR frequently as thyroid status normalizes and increase the warfarin dose as needed.

What to ask your pharmacist

  • Should I take them at different times of day?
  • Does the dose of either medicine need to change?
  • Is there anything I should avoid, such as alcohol or certain foods, while on both?

Bring a full list of your medicines, including over-the-counter products, supplements and herbal remedies, to every pharmacy visit.

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Frequently asked questions

Can I take Propylthiouracil with Warfarin?

MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Propylthiouracil and Warfarin can affect each other. The combination is often manageable, but it may need a change of dose, a change of timing, or extra checks while both are taken. Treating hyperthyroidism changes the clearance of vitamin K-dependent clotting factors, so as patients become euthyroid the warfarin response is reduced and the INR may fall. Propylthiouracil itself may also rarely cause hypoprothrombinemia.

How serious is the interaction between Propylthiouracil and Warfarin?

MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Monitor INR frequently as thyroid status normalizes and increase the warfarin dose as needed.

What other medicines interact with Warfarin?

MediHelp also lists interactions of Warfarin with, for example, Defibrotide, Ketorolac, Abciximab. The full list is on the Warfarin page.

Full monographs, dosing and an interaction checker in the MediHelp app

Open the complete reference, check multi-drug interactions and use dosing tools in the MediHelp app.

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