From the FDA Drug Label
Thyroid function tests should be monitored periodically during therapy Once clinical evidence of hyperthyroidism has resolved, the finding of an elevated serum TSH indicates that a lower maintenance dose of propylthiouracil should be employed.
The dose of Propylthiouracil (PTU) should be tapered down in thyroid storm when clinical evidence of hyperthyroidism has resolved.
- Thyroid function tests should be monitored periodically during therapy to determine when to adjust the dose.
- An elevated serum TSH indicates that a lower maintenance dose of PTU should be employed 1.
From the Research
Tapering Down Propylthiouracil (PTU) in Thyroid Storm
- The decision to taper down PTU in thyroid storm should be based on the patient's clinical response and thyroid function tests 2, 3.
- There is no specific guideline on when to taper down PTU, but it is generally recommended to continue treatment until the patient achieves a euthyroid state 4.
- In one case report, a patient with thyroid storm was treated with PTU for 7 days and then tapered off, with subsequent achievement of a euthyroid state 2.
Repeating Thyroid Function Tests
- Thyroid function tests should be repeated regularly to monitor the patient's response to treatment and adjust the dose of PTU as needed 3, 5.
- The frequency of repeating thyroid function tests depends on the patient's clinical condition and the severity of the thyroid storm 4, 6.
- In general, thyroid function tests should be repeated every 1-2 weeks to assess the patient's progress and adjust treatment accordingly 2, 3.