Sulfinpyrazone

About Sulfinpyrazone

This belongs to the group of medicines known as anti-gout agents.

Sulfinpyrazone is used to relieve pain and inflammation in gout and to prevent gout recurring.

Gout is an inflammatory condition of the joints caused by the build up of a substance called uric acid between the joints. The most commonly affected joints are in the foot, especially the toe joints. In an episode of gout, the joint becomes very painful, inflamed and swollen and the skin over the joint is red and shiny.

Sulfinpyrazone works by reducing the build up of uric acid causing a reduction in inflammation, pain and swelling.

Sulfinpyrazone is also known as Sulphinpyrazone, you may notice that your medicine is labelled using either spelling.

Sulfinpyrazone is available in tablet form.

It is also sometimes known as: Anturan. You may notice the use of any of these names on the packaging of your medicine.

Before Taking Sulfinpyrazone

Before taking Sulfinpyrazone make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:

• if you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding
• if you suffer from heart or kidney problems including kidney stones
• if you suffer from porphyria, glucose 6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency or other blood disorders
• if you suffer from peptic (stomach) ulcers
• if you have ever had an allergic reaction to this or any other medicine especially Non-steroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs)
• if you are taking any other medicines, including those available to buy without a prescription, herbal and complementary medicines

How to Take Sulfinpyrazone

• Take your medication exactly as directed by your doctor.
• Always read the manufacturer's information leaflet, if possible, before beginning treatment.
• Take Sulfinpyrazone with or just after food.
• Never take more than the prescribed dose. If you suspect that you or someone else has taken an overdose of Sulfinpyrazone contact your doctor or go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital at once. Always take the container with you, if possible, even if empty.
• This medicine is for you. Never give it to others even if their condition appears to be the same as yours.

Getting the most from your treatment

• Before taking any 'over-the-counter' medicines, check with your pharmacist which medicines are safe for you to take alongside Sulfinpyrazone.
• Avoid drinking large amounts of alcohol while taking Sulfinpyrazone. Drinking too much alcohol may increase the amount of uric acid in the blood.
• If you are overweight this may increase the levels of uric acid in your blood. Certain foods may also make you more likely to suffer from gout, ask your pharmacist or doctor for advice on diet.
• Try to drink plenty of water while you are being treated with Sulfinpyrazone, ideally 6-8 pints of water a day.
• Do not take aspirin or salicylates or medicines containing aspirin or salicylates while being treated with Sulfinpyrazone, unless prescribed by your doctor. Aspirin may bring on an attack of gout. Note: Some cough and cold preparations contain aspirin, if in doubt speak to your pharmacist.
• Keep your regular appointments with your doctor so that your progress can be monitored. You may need to have regular blood tests while taking this medicine.
• Before having any kind of surgery, including dental or emergency treatment, tell the doctor, dentist or surgeon you are taking Sulfinpyrazone.

Can Sulfinpyrazone cause problems?

As well as their useful effects all medicines can cause unwanted side effects. Speak to your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following side effects continue or become troublesome.

Feeling or being sick or diarrhoea.

Check with your doctor immediately if you notice any unexpected skin rash, itching, bruising, persistent sore throat, fever (high temperature), jaundice (yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes), passing black stools, swelling of your feet or lower legs, wheezing or breathlessness.

If you experience any other worrying or troublesome symptoms, which you think may be due to this medicine, discuss them with your pharmacist.

How to store Sulfinpyrazone

• Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.
• Store in a cool dry place, away from direct heat and light.
• Never keep out of date or unwanted medicines. Discard them safely out of the reach of children or take them to your local pharmacist who will dispose of them for you.

© EMIS and Cegedim Pharmacy Services Ltd 2005   Updated: 28/04/2005