Anturan

What is it?

A preparation containing the active ingredient, sulphinpyrazone, which promotes the excretion of uric acid by preventing its reabsorption in the kidney tubules. Anturan is available in the form of yellow, sugarcoated tablets marked Geigy in 2 strengths, (100mg and 200mg).

Medical Uses

Hyperuricaemia (high blood levels of uric acid), chronic gout, recurrent gouty arthritis.

Dosage

Adults, 100mg to 200mg with food per day at first increasing over a 2-3 week period to 600mg. After this the amount is reduced (once uric acid level has dropped) to a maintenance dose which may be as low as 200mg daily.

Special Care

Pregnant and breast-feeding mothers, kidney disease or heart failure. Plenty of fluids should be taken during treatment and blood and kidney function tests may be necessary

Avoid Use

Children. Patients with known allergies to anti-inflammatory drugs, severe liver or kidney disease, acute gout, history of peptic ulcers or acute peptic ulcer, blood disorders, porphyria.

Possible Drug and Food Interactions

Salicylates, aspirin, hypoglycaemic drugs, anticoagulants, sulfonamides, penicillins, phenytein, theophylIine.

Known Side Effects

Gastrointestinal upset and bleeding, ulcers, acute gout, kidney stones, renal colic, liver and kidney disorders, rash, blood changes (treatment should stop).

Manufacturer

Novartis.