Benzbromarone

Benzbromarone

Medication used to treat gout

Benzbromarone is a medication used to treat gout and hyperuricemia. It is classified as a uricosuric agent, which means it helps to lower uric acid levels in the blood by increasing the excretion of uric acid in the urine.

Mechanism of Action

Benzbromarone works by inhibiting the reabsorption of uric acid in the kidneys, thereby increasing its excretion. This helps to reduce the levels of uric acid in the blood, which can prevent the formation of uric acid crystals that cause gout.

Uses

Benzbromarone is primarily used in the treatment of chronic gout and hyperuricemia. It is particularly useful in patients who are intolerant to other uricosuric agents or xanthine oxidase inhibitors like allopurinol.

Side Effects

Common side effects of benzbromarone include gastrointestinal disturbances, such as nausea and diarrhea. In rare cases, it can cause severe liver toxicity, which necessitates regular monitoring of liver function during treatment.

Contraindications

Benzbromarone is contraindicated in patients with severe liver disease, renal impairment, or those who are hypersensitive to the drug. It should also be used with caution in patients with a history of peptic ulcer disease.

History

Benzbromarone was first introduced in the 1970s. However, due to concerns about its potential to cause liver toxicity, it has been withdrawn from the market in several countries.

See Also

• Gout
• Hyperuricemia
• Uricosuric agent
• Allopurinol
• Kidney