Drugs

Sulfinpyrazone - Drug Interactions, Uses and Benefits

Type of Drug:

Uricosuric; agent for treating gout.

How the Sulfinpyrazone Product Works:

Gout is a metabolic form of arthritis caused by increased blood levels of uric acid. Sulfinpyrazone decreases the amount of uric acid in the body by increasing the elimination of uric acid into the urine.

Uses of The Sulfinpyrazone:

To treat chronic gouty arthritis and intermittent gouty arthritis. Sulfinpyrazone has a minimal anti-inflammatory effect and is not intended for relief of an acute attack of gout.

Unlabeled Uses: Occasionally doctors may prescribe sulfinpyrazone to decrease the risk of blood clots in some patients with a heart valve disorder.

Precautions:

Pregnancy: Adequate studies have not been done in pregnant women. Use only if clearly needed and potential benefits to the mother outweigh the possible hazards to the fetus.

Breastfeeding: It is not known if sulfinpyrazone appears in breast milk. Consult your doctor before you begin breastfeeding.

Children: Safety and effectiveness in children have not been established. Lab tests may be required to monitor therapy. Tests may include blood uric acid, blood cell counts, kidney function, and urine tests.

Drug Interactions:

Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking or if you are planning to take any over-the-counter or prescription medications or dietary supplements with sulfinpyrazone. Doses of one or both drugs may need to be modified or a different drug may need to be prescribed. The following drugs and drug classes interact with sulfinpyrazone:

• Acetaminophen (eg, Tylenol)

• Anticoagulants, oral (eg, warfarin)

• Insulin niacin (eg, Nicobid)

• Salicylates (eg, aspirin)

• Sulfonamides (eg, sulfisoxazole)

Side Effects:

Every drug is capable of producing side effects. Many sulfinpyrazone users experience no, or minor, side effects. The frequency and severity of side effects depend on many factors including dose, duration of therapy, and individual susceptibility. Possible side effects include: Stomach upset; nausea; aggravation of peptic ulcers; rash; blood cell disorders.

Guidelines for Use:

• Initial dosage is 200 to 400 mg daily in 2 divided doses. Maintenance dosage is 400 mg daily given in 2 divided doses. Dose may be increased to 800 mg daily. After blood urate levels are controlled, dose may be reduced to 200 mg daily for long-term control.

• Take sulfinpyrazone regularly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not stop taking or change the dose unless directed by your doctor.

• May cause stomach upset. Take with food, milk, or antacids.

• Initiation of therapy may initially cause acute attacks of gouty arthritis. These initial attacks can be treated with colchicine or other agents used to treat gouty attacks. These attacks subside with continued use of sulfinpyrazone. Do not stop taking sulfinpyrazone during these attacks.

• Continue treatment without interruption, even during acute gouty attacks.

• If a dose is missed, take it as soon as possible. If several hours have passed or if it is nearing time for the next dose, do not double the dose to catch up unless advised to do so by your doctor. If more than 1 dose is missed, or if it is necessary to establish a new dosage schedule, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

• Do not take with aspirin or other products that contain aspirin since they can decrease the effect of sulfinpyrazone.

• Drink plenty of fluids while taking sulfinpyrazone.

• Notify your doctor if you experience nausea, vomiting, severe stomach pain, rash, lethargy, blood in vomit or stool, or unusual bleeding or bruising.

• Inform your doctor if you are pregnant, become pregnant, are planning to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding.

• Lab tests, may bo required. Be sure to keep appointments.

• Store at room temperature (59 to 86°F). Keep in a tightly closed container.