Febuxostat
Febuxostat
Febuxostat (pronounced fe-BUK-so-stat) is a medication primarily used to treat gout. It is a non-purine selective inhibitor of xanthine oxidase, a type of enzyme that increases the production of uric acid in the body. Febuxostat reduces the production of uric acid and can help prevent gout attacks.
Etymology
The name "Febuxostat" is derived from its chemical structure. The "febux" part of the name is a contraction of the chemical components of the drug: 2-(3-cyano-4-isobutyloxyphenyl)-4-methyl-1,3-thiazole-5-carboxylic acid. The "ostat" suffix is common in drug nomenclature and typically denotes a drug that inhibits or blocks a particular action.
Usage
Febuxostat is used to lower uric acid levels in people with gout. It works by reducing the amount of uric acid made by the body. An excess of uric acid in the blood can cause crystals to form in the joints, leading to gout.
Related Terms
- Gout: A type of arthritis characterized by severe pain, redness, and tenderness in joints.
- Xanthine Oxidase: An enzyme that plays a crucial role in the production of uric acid in the body.
- Uric Acid: A waste product in the blood that can form crystals in the joints if levels are too high, leading to gout.
Side Effects
Common side effects of Febuxostat include liver function abnormalities, nausea, joint pain, and rash. In rare cases, it can cause serious liver damage.
See Also
- Allopurinol: Another medication used to treat gout and reduce uric acid levels in the body.
- Hyperuricemia: A condition characterized by high levels of uric acid in the blood, often leading to gout.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Febuxostat
- Wikipedia's article - Febuxostat
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