The effect of propylthiouracil on subsequent radioactive iodine therapy in Graves' disease

Abstract

Propylthiouracil discontinued 4-7 days before radioiodine dosing is associated with a significant increase in the failure rate of a single dose of radioiodine. Discontinuation of the propylthiouracil for at least a week before radioiodine administration is associated with a higher, although not statistically significant, radioiodine failure rate. In patients that require treatment with propylthiouracil before radioiodine therapy, a higher total serum thyroxine level at diagnosis is associated with an increased rate of radioiodine failure. Consideration should be given to increasing empirically the dose of radioiodine administered to Graves' disease patients that have received propylthiouracil within a week of radioiodine administration in an effort to decrease the radioiodine failure rate to an acceptable level.