Bioavailability of propylthiouracil: Interindividual variation and influence of food intake

The bioavailability of 6-propylthiouracil (PTU) has been examined in eight healthy volunteers, with respect to interindividual variation and influence of food intake. PTU was given as a single oral dose, both in a fasting state and together with a standardized breakfast. Numerous venous blood samples were taken during 5 hours after PTU ingestion, and the concentration of unmetabolized PTU in serum was determined by a specific gas-chromatographic technique. The observations indicate that the amount of PTU absorbed is subject to a large interindividual variation, and that concomitant food intake may exert a minor and non-systematic influence on PTU absorption. Hence, the major issue in PTU therapy is the individualization of the size and interval of dosage. Testing of single-dose PTU kinetics in patients would apparently be helpful.