Sulfinpyrazone (Systemic)
Brand Names : Anturane, Anturan, Apo-Sulfinpyrazone, Novopyrazone
Proper Use of This MedicineIf sulfinpyrazone upsets your stomach, it may be taken with food
. If
this does not work, an antacid may be taken. If stomach upset (nausea, vomiting,
or stomach pain) continues, check with your doctor.
In order for sulfinpyrazone to help you, it must be
taken regularly as ordered by your doctor
.
When you first begin taking sulfinpyrazone, the amount of uric acid in
the kidneys is greatly increased. This may cause kidney stones in some people.
To help prevent this, your doctor may want you to drink at least 10 to 12
full glasses (8 ounces each) of fluids each day, or to take another medicine
to make your urine less acid. It is important that you
follow your doctor's instructions very carefully
.
For patients taking sulfinpyrazone for gout
:
-
After you begin to take sulfinpyrazone, gout attacks may continue
to occur for a while. However, if you take this medicine regularly as directed
by your doctor, the attacks will gradually become less frequent and less painful.
After you have been taking sulfinpyrazone for several months, they may stop
completely.
-
Sulfinpyrazone helps to prevent gout attacks. It will not relieve
an attack that has already started. Even if you take
another medicine for gout attacks, continue to take this medicine also
.
Dosing - The dose of sulfinpyrazone will be different
for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or
the directions on the label
. The following information includes only
the average doses of sulfinpyrazone. If your dose is
different, do not change it
unless your doctor tells you to do so.
-
For treating gout or removing uric acid from
the body
:
-
Adults: The starting dose of sulfinpyrazone is usually 100 mg or
200 mg a day (one-half of a 100-mg tablet two times a day, one 100-mg tablet
one or two times a day, or one 200-mg capsule or tablet once a day). Then,
the dose is usually increased by 100 mg or 200 mg every few days, up to 800
mg a day. Starting with a low dose and increasing the dose gradually helps
prevent kidney stones and other side effects. After a while, the dose may
be changed again, depending on the amount of uric acid in your blood or urine.
-
Children: It is not likely that sulfinpyrazone will be needed to
treat gout or remove uric acid from the body in children. However, if a child
needs this medicine, the dose would have to be determined by the doctor.
Missed dose - If you miss a dose of this medicine, take it as
soon as possible. However, if is almost time for your next dose, skip the
missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double doses.
Storage - To store this medicine:
-
Keep out of the reach of children.
-
Store away from heat and direct light.
-
Do not store this medicine in the bathroom, near the kitchen sink,
or in other damp places. Heat or moisture may cause the medicine to break
down.
-
Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed. Be sure
that any discarded medicine is out of the reach of children.
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