Febuxostat is a potent, selective, non-purine xanthine oxidase inhibitor used for the long-term management of hyperuricemia in patients with gout. It is a first-line urate-lowering therapy (ULT) in India, particularly for patients intolerant to allopurinol or with renal impairment. It works by reducing serum uric acid (sUA) production.
Adult: Recommended starting dose is 40mg once daily. May be increased to 80mg once daily if sUA is not below 6 mg/dL after 2 weeks with 40mg dose.
Note: Administer orally, with or without food. Tablet should be swallowed whole with a glass of water. Maintain adequate hydration (at least 2 liters of fluid per day).
Febuxostat is a potent, non-purine selective inhibitor of xanthine oxidase (XO), the enzyme responsible for the conversion of hypoxanthine to xanthine and xanthine to uric acid. By inhibiting XO, it reduces the production of uric acid, thereby lowering serum uric acid concentrations.
Pregnancy: Category C. Animal studies have shown fetal toxicity. There are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women. Use only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus.
Driving: Febuxostat has no or negligible influence on the ability to drive and use machines. However, patients who experience dizziness should be cautious.
| Azathioprine | Increased levels of azathioprine leading to severe myelosuppression and pancytopenia. | Contraindicated |
| Mercaptopurine | Increased levels of mercaptopurine leading to severe myelosuppression and pancytopenia. | Contraindicated |
| Theophylline | Increased theophylline levels, risk of toxicity (nausea, seizures, arrhythmias). | Contraindicated |
| Didanosine | Potential increased risk of didanosine toxicity; avoid concomitant use. | Major |
| NSAIDs (e.g., Naproxen, Diclofenac) | Increased risk of NSAID-associated renal impairment; monitor renal function. | Moderate |
| Colchicine | No significant PK interaction, but commonly co-administered for gout flare prophylaxis. | Minor |
Same composition (Febuxostat (80mg)), different brands: