Thiouracil as a Cause of Neutropenia and Agranulocytosis

Abstract

THIOURACIL is an effective agent in the treatment of toxic goiter,1 2 3 but this effectiveness is frequently associated with toxic reactions of varying degrees of seriousness. The most important of these manifestations that have been reported are swelling of the submaxillary salivary gland, drug fever, dermatitis, jaundice, and neutropenia and agranulocytosis.4 , 5 Although most of these complications are formidable, none except agranulocytosis have produced fatalities. The purpose of this study is to inquire further into the undesirable effects of thiouracil on the blood.Sixty-two patients, all but 1 of whom had thyrotoxicosis, have been treated with thiouracil for varying periods of time. . . .