Composition
Tab 40 mg/80 mg: Febuxostat 40 mg/80 mg
Indications & Dosage
Treatment of chronic hyperuricaemia in gout: Adult: Initially 80 mg once daily, if after 2-4 weeks of initial dose, serum uric acid greater than 6 mg/100ml then increase dose; increased if necessary to 120 mg once daily. Prophylaxis and treatment of acute hyperuricaemia with initial chemotherapy for haematologic malignancies: Adult: 120 mg once daily, to be started 2 days before start of cytotoxic therapy and continued for 7-9 days, according to chemotherapy duration.
Contraindications
Not a treatment for acute gout but continue if attack develops when already receiving allopurinol, and treat attack separately
Precautions
Congestive heart failure, ischaemic heart disease, thyroid disorders, transplant recipients, elderly, renal or hepatic impairment, ensure adequate fluid intake (2-3 litres/day), for hyperuricaemia associated with cancer therapy, allopurinol treatment should be started before cancer therapy. Administer prophylactic NSAID (not aspirin or salicylates) or colchicine until at least 1 month after hyperuricaemia corrected (for first 3 months) to avoid precipitating an acute attack. Perform LFTs, before and periodically during treatment.
Interactions
Mercaptopurine, azathioprine, theophylline, glucuronidation inducers.
Pregnancy
Contraindicated in pregnancy.
Lactation
Contraindicated
Side Effects
Abnormal liver function tests, GI disturbances, headache, oedema, rash, renal failure, appetite change, arthralgia, arthritis, atrial fibrillation, bronchitis, bursitis, chest pain, cholelithiasis, dermatitis, diabetes mellitus, dizziness, drowsiness, dyspnea, ECG abnormalities, erectile dysfunction, flushing, haematuria, hemiparesis, hyperlipidaemia, hypertension, hypoaesthesia, increased thyroid stimulating hormone, increased urinary frequency, insomnia, muscle spasm, muscle weakness, myalgia, nephrolithiasis, palpitation, paraesthesia, proteinuria, taste disturbances, weight change