Febuxostat
Description
Febuxostat is a medication used to treat gout, a condition caused by high level
s of uric acid (urate) in the body. It works by reducing uric acid production, helping to prevent gout attacks, joint pain, and inflammation. Febuxostat should be taken exactly as prescribed by your doctor, and regular monitoring of uric acid levels may be recommended to ensure effective treatment. Maintaining a healthy diet, staying hydrated, and avoiding alcohol can also help manage gout alongside this medication.
Uses
- Mainly used in the treatment of chronic gout.
- In other hyperuricemic conditions (increased uric acid level in blood), but very rarely.
Contraindications
When should one not use Febuxostat
Do not take it if you have any allergic reactions to Febuxostat.
Side effects
Common side effects of this drug are:
- Nausea, diarrhoea, joint pain, headache
- Increased liver enzyme levels and rash
- Sometimes severe allergic reactions.
- Swelling
- Hot flushes
- Severe skin reactions like blisters, shading of skin, rashes (Stevens-Johnson syndrome)
Precautions and Warnings
Pregnancy
Q:
Can I take Febuxostat during pregnancy?
A:
No adequate data about the safety of this medicine in pregnancy. Febuxostat should not be used during pregnancy.
Breast Feeding
Q:
Can I take Febuxostat while breastfeeding?
A:
It is unknown whether Febuxostat may pass into human breast milk. Hence it is unsafe to use if you are breastfeeding or if you are planning to breastfeed.
Driving
Q:
Can I drive if I have consumed Febuxostat?
A:
If during Febuxostat treatment, you feel dizziness, sleepiness or blurred vision, try to avoid driving.
Alcohol
Q:
Can I consume alcohol with Febuxostat?
A:
No known interaction with alcohol. Alcohol is known to increase uric acid levels in the body and can worsen the underlying condition of gout. Avoid excessive consumption of alcohol.
Other General Warnings
Talk to your doctor if
- You have heart problems
- You have renal disease
- You have serious allergic reaction to Allopurinol (a medication used for the treatment of Gout)
- You have liver disease
- You have thyroid problems
- While starting treatment with this medicine, you may get gout flare up. However, continue taking medicine
Mode of Action
How Does It Work?
- Gout is associated with increased uric acid levels.
- Febuxostat blocks an enzyme in the production of this uric acid and lowers its level.
Interactions
Interactions with other medicines
- Medicines used to treat cancer (Mercaptopurine).
- Medicines used to reduce immune response (Azathioprine).
- Medicines used to treat asthma (Theophylline).
Interactions with food items
No information is available on interactions of this when taken with food, consult your doctor or pharmacist for further information.
Dietary Restrictions
Avoid meat, beef as these can increase uric acid levels. You are advised to maintain a good amount of water intake while on this medicine.
Dosage
Overdose
Symptoms of overdose of Febuxostat may include dizziness, nausea, vomiting, rash, headache, etc. Seek emergency medical care immediately.
Missed a Dose
If you missed any dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose of medicine to compensate for a missed one....
Content Details
WRITTEN BY
Dr. Mahesh Muthe
MBBS
REVIEWED BY
Dr. Ritu Budania
MBBS, MD (Pharmacology)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What is Febuxostat used for?
A: Febuxostat is a medication used to lower blood uric acid levels. It is commonly prescribed for people with gout, a condition where uric acid crystals build up in the joints, causing pain, swelling, and inflammation. By reducing uric acid levels, Febuxostat helps prevent future gout attacks and long-term joint damage.
Q: How does Febuxostat work?
- Febuxostat works by blocking an enzyme called xanthine oxidase, which is responsible for producing uric acid in the body. Reducing uric acid production helps prevent the formation of crystals that cause gout symptoms and reduces the risk of kidney stones....
Q: What are the common side effects of Febuxostat?
- Common side effects may include nausea, joint pain, rash, changes in liver enzymes, or mild diarrhoea. Some people may experience gout flares when first starting treatment. Rare but serious side effects include heart problems, severe allergic reactions, or liver issues. Seek medical attention if you notice chest pain, shortness of breath, swelling, or a severe rash....
References
View All
- Thornton & Ross Ltd. Febuxostat 80 mg Film-Coated Tablets: Summary of Product Characteristics [Internet]. London: electronic Medicines Compendium (emc); [cited 2025 Sep 16].
- Mayo Clinic Staff. Gout diet: What's allowed, what's not [Internet]. Rochester (MN): Mayo Clinic; [cited 2025 Sep 16].
- Hikma Pharmaceuticals USA Inc. Febuxostat Tablets: Prescribing Information [Internet]. Bethesda (MD): U.S. National Library of Medicine; [cited 2025 Sep 16].
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Disclaimer
The information provided herein is supplied to the best of our abilities to make it accurate and reliable as it is published after a review by a team of professionals. This information is solely intended to provide a general overview on the product and must be used for informational purposes only. You should not use the information provided herein to diagnose, prevent, or cure a health problem. Nothing contained on this page is intended to create a doctor-patient relationship, replace or be a substitute for a registered medical practitioner's medical treatment/advice or consultation. The absence of any information or warning to any medicine shall not be considered and assumed as an implied assurance. We highly recommend that you consult your registered medical practitioner for all queries or doubts related to your medical condition. You hereby agree that you shall not make any health or medical-related decision based in whole or in part on anything contained in the Site. Please click here for detailed T&C.
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