Oxipurinol

Oxypurinol.svg

Oxipurinol is a pharmaceutical drug that is primarily used in the treatment of gout and hyperuricemia. It is a metabolite of allopurinol, which is a xanthine oxidase inhibitor. Oxipurinol works by inhibiting the enzyme xanthine oxidase, thereby reducing the production of uric acid in the body.

Mechanism of Action

Oxipurinol inhibits the enzyme xanthine oxidase, which is responsible for the oxidation of hypoxanthine to xanthine and subsequently to uric acid. By inhibiting this enzyme, oxipurinol reduces the levels of uric acid in the blood, which helps to prevent the formation of uric acid crystals in the joints and tissues, a common cause of gout.

Pharmacokinetics

Oxipurinol is the active metabolite of allopurinol. After oral administration of allopurinol, it is rapidly absorbed and converted to oxipurinol. Oxipurinol has a longer half-life compared to allopurinol, which allows for sustained inhibition of xanthine oxidase. It is primarily excreted by the kidneys.

Clinical Uses

Oxipurinol is used in the management of:

• Gout
• Hyperuricemia
• Tumor lysis syndrome

Side Effects

Common side effects of oxipurinol include:

• Rash
• Nausea
• Diarrhea
• Liver enzyme abnormalities

Severe side effects may include:

• Hypersensitivity reactions
• Stevens-Johnson syndrome
• Toxic epidermal necrolysis

Contraindications

Oxipurinol is contraindicated in patients with:

• Known hypersensitivity to oxipurinol or allopurinol
• Severe renal impairment without appropriate dose adjustment

Drug Interactions

Oxipurinol may interact with other medications, including:

• Azathioprine
• Mercaptopurine
• Warfarin

See Also

• Allopurinol
• Gout
• Hyperuricemia
• Xanthine oxidase