Abstract

Febuxostat, a novel, orally administered, potent, non–purine analogue, xanthine oxidase / xanthine dehydrogenase inhibitor in the management of hyperuricemia in patients with gout & chronic tophaceous gout. It completely inhibits activity of xanthine oxidase enzyme by obstructing substrate binding but has minimal effects on activity of other enzymes in purine metabolism. It inhibits both oxidized and reduced forms of xanthine oxidase. Febuxostat is more potent than allopurinol in inhibiting xanthine oxidase. Recommended dosage in hyperuricemia and gout is 40 mg or 80 mg OD. Febuxostat, at a daily dose of 80 mg or 120 mg, was more effective than allopurinol at the commonly used fixed daily dose of 300 mg in lowering serum urate, significant number of patients achieves target levels of serum uric acid (< 6 mg/dl) with febuxostat as compared to allopurinol and uric acid ↓ effect is sustained with febuxostat. No dose adjustments are required in hepatic impairment, renal impairment or elderly patient