Comparison of Two Propylthiouracil Preparations in Treatment of Toxic Goiter

In order to compare the effect of propylthiouracil (PTU) of Iran Hormone Co. and that of Dr. Herbrand KG, Germany, 28 patients with toxic goiter entered this study. Each patient received 200 mg PTU daily for the first 4 weeks and 50 mg daily thereafter. 17 patients received PTU from Iran Hormone (group 1) and 111 took PTU from Germany (group 2). T4, T3 and TSH by RIA and resine T3, uptake were measured by commercial kits before and 2, 4 and 8 weeks after therapy. 4 weeks after PTU treatment, T4. decreased from 19.1±5.3 to 9.2±3.3 (group 1) and from 21.0±1.5 to 8.9±2.2 µg/dl (group 2); T3, decreased from 462±181 to 197±52  (group 1) and from 426±189 to 182±63 ng/dl (group 2): all changes P<0.001. 8 weeks after therapy serum Ty increased in both groups: 262±43 and 220±53 ng/dl, respectively; but no changes in serum T4 occured. There was no significant difference between effects of two PTU preparation in T4, T3; and TSH up to 8 weeks. It is concluded that PTU preparation of Tran Hormone is effective in treatment of toxic goiter and compares well with German preparation. Recommended dosage of PTU would be 300 mg daily for the first and 100 mg daily for the second month of therapy.