Effect of sulphinpyrazone (Anturan®) on uric acid excretion and plasma uric acid concentration in healthy volunteers

Summary Investigations in six healthy volunteers given single oral doses of sulphinpyrazone (Anturan^®) showed that the drug had a potent uricosuric effect, even if the concentration of uric acid in the plasma was normal. In the dose range tested of 50 to 800 mg the increase in uric acid excretion was dose-related. It reached a maximum within 2 h and was still detectable 6–8 h after the drug was taken. There was a corresponding dose-related reduction in the plasma concentration of uric acid, which reached its lowest level after 8–10 h. The administration of 300 mg twice daily for four days to a further five healthy volunteers reduced plasma uric acid from 5.06 to 1.8 mg%. The findings indicate that, even if plasma uric acid levels are unknown, it would be advisable to avoid the risk of formation of urinary calculi by administering sulphinpyrazone in gradually increasing doses, ensuring adequate fluid intake and alkalinizing the urine during the first few days of treatment.