A 45-year-old woman with hyperthyroidism is started on propylthiouracil (PTU). Which of the following is a known side effect of this drug? A) Hyperkalemia B) Hepatotoxicity C) Hyperglycemia D) Nephrotoxicity E) Osteoporosis Correct Answer: B) Hepatotoxicity Explanation: Propylthiouracil (PTU) is an antithyroid medication used to treat hyperthyroidism, but it can cause hepatotoxicity as a serious side effect. Hyperkalemia (A) is not typically associated with PTU. Hyperglycemia (C) is more commonly seen with steroids or thiazide diuretics. Nephrotoxicity (D) is not a known side effect of PTU. Osteoporosis (E) is associated with long-term steroid use, not PTU. Key Tips for PLAB 1: ✅ PTU = Used in hyperthyroidism, especially in Graves' disease ✅ Monitoring = Liver function tests during treatment ✅ Alternative = Methimazole is another antithyroid drug with a better safety profile
