Rectal Administration of Propylthiouracil in a Critically Ill Patient: A Life-Saving Experience

Abstract

Hyperthyroidism is a common endocrine disease caused by the production of thyroid hormones in excessive amounts. Propylthiouracil (PTU) is one of the anti-thyroid drugs (ATD) used in the treatment of hyperthyroidism. Rectal PTU should be considered by physicians as a valuable option for managing hyperthyroidism as an alternative route of administration for patients who cannot tolerate oral medications. Our patient presented to the emergency department with acute abdomen. At the same time, he had thyroid storm which required the administration of oral PTU with other medications; however, post surgery, he was kept nil by mouth. Here, we highlight a case of the life-saving administration of rectal administration of propylthiouracil in a patient with a perforated gastric ulcer.

Keywords: acute abdomen; carbimazole; propylthiouracil (ptu); rectal administration; thyroid-storm.