Sulfinpyrazone
Conditions Treated
Sulfinpyrazone is used to treat gouty arthritis. It works by lowering the amount of uric acid in your blood, preventing gout attacks. The drug helps prevent attacks but will not treat an attack once it has started. This medication is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.
Possible Side Effects
What Side Effects Can This Cause?
Sulfinpyrazone may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:
- nausea
- vomiting
- loss of appetite
- joint pain, redness, or swelling
If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately:
- difficulty breathing
- tightness in the chest
- skin rash
- unusual bruising or bleeding
- fever
- sore throat
- mouth sores
- swollen or painful glands
- painful urination
- change in the amount of urine
- lower back or side pain
- blood in urine or stool
Usage Instructions
How Should This Medication Be Used
Sulfinpyrazone comes as a tablet and capsule to take by mouth. Sulfinpyrazone usually is taken twice a day. Take with food or milk. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take sulfinpyrazone exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor. Sulfinpyrazone helps control gout but does not cure it. Continue to take sulfinpyrazone even if you feel well. Do not stop taking sulfinpyrazone without talking to your doctor.
What Dietary Instructions Should I Follow
Sulfinpyrazone helps your body get rid of uric acid through your urine. This process may cause kidney stones. To help prevent kidney stones, be sure to drink 10 to 12 glasses (8 ounces [240 milliliters] each) of fluid each day or drink enough water to keep your urine a light yellow color.
Are There Any Special Instructions
Before taking sulfinpyrazone, tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to sulfinpyrazone or any other drugs. tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications you are taking, especially anticoagulants ('blood thinners') such as warfarin (Coumadin), acetaminophen (Tylenol), aspirin or products that contain aspirin, cholestyramine (Questran), diuretics ('water pills'), niacin (Nicobid, Slo-Niacin), theophylline (Theo-Dur), tolbutamide (Orinase), verapamil (Calan, Isoptin), and vitamins. tell your doctor if you have or have ever had peptic ulcer disease, kidney disease, or any blood disease. if you are having surgery, including dental surgery, tell the doctor or dentist that you are taking sulfinpyrazone. you should know that this drug may make you drowsy. Do not drive a car or operate machinery until you know how this drug affects you. remember that alcohol can add to the drowsiness caused by this drug. Also, alcohol may increase the amount of uric acid in your blood. Do not drink alcohol while taking sulfinpyrazone before checking with your doctor.
Brand Names
Common Brand Names for This Medication
- Anturane®
Overdose
What To Do In The Case of Emergency
In case of overdose, call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call local emergency services at 911.
Forgotten Doses
What Should I Do If I Forget A Dose?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.
Additional Information
What Are the Storage Conditions for this Medication?
Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Throw away any medication that is outdated or no longer needed. Talk to your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your medication.
What Other Information Should I Know?
Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory. Your doctor will order certain lab tests to check your response to sulfinpyrazone. Do not let anyone else take your medication. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription. It is important for you to keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription (over-the-counter) medicines you are taking, as well as any products such as vitamins, minerals, or other dietary supplements. You should bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to a hospital. It is also important information to carry with you in case of emergencies.