Pharmacy
PTU medical abbreviation
PTU means "propylthiouracil".
On the ISMP List of Error-Prone Abbreviations. ISMP suggests: Write the full drug name.
Each meaning matched at least two public references (3 in all for PTU), checked October 23, 2026. The table lists them.
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What PTU means
| Meaning | Latin origin | Where used | Checked against |
|---|---|---|---|
| propylthiouracil | None | Prescriptions, Pharmacy |
Example
Training example of an error-prone entry: "PTU" on an order.
A made-up line that shows the abbreviation in place. It is not about any patient and is not an instruction.
Related abbreviations
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Questions
What does PTU mean in medical terms?
PTU means "propylthiouracil".
Where is PTU used?
PTU shows up in prescriptions and pharmacy. Its category here is pharmacy.
Is PTU on the Joint Commission Do Not Use list?
No, but ISMP lists PTU as an error-prone abbreviation. ISMP's suggested practice: Write the full drug name.