The pharmacological active substance sulfinpyrazone is a chemical compound. The substance sulfinpyrazone is considered to belong to the category of pyrazolidines. As a drug, sulfinpyrazone is primarily used to treat conditions such as gout. Basically, the drug is a substance from the group of uricosurics.
What is sulfinpyrazone?
As a drug, sulfinpyrazone is primarily used to treat conditions such as gout. The active ingredient sulfinpyrazone is obtained by reacting the chemical molecule hydrazobenzene with another ester compound. The result of the chemical reaction is sulfinpyrazone. Thus, in principle, the active ingredient is a derivative of the substance pyrazolidine. The substance is primarily characterized by the fact that it inhibits coagulation. In addition, sulfinpyrazone supports the kidneys in their function of excreting uric acid. The molecule of the substance sulfinpyrazone is characterized by three benzene rings. At room temperature, the substance appears as a solid powder of white color. It is only slightly soluble in water and does not emit any odor. Sulfinpyrazone not only belongs to the group of uricosurics, but is also a so-called platelet aggregation inhibitor. These substances are characterized by their ability to increase the renal excretion of uric acid. For this reason, it is used, for example, in the treatment of gout or related conditions. However, in Switzerland, for example, there are currently no longer any preparations available on the market that contain proportions of the substance sulfinpyrazone. Previously, the drug Anturan was sold in the form of dragées. In the medical field, the substance sulfinpyrazone is used primarily as an inhibitor of platelet aggregation.
Pharmacological action
Basically, the active substance sulfinpyrazone is a so-called uricosuric, which is characterized by corresponding modes of action and effects on the human organism. In addition, the drug is a platelet aggregation inhibitor. To obtain the pharmacological substance sulfinpyrazone, industrial production methods are used. During the synthesis of the substance, a chemical reaction is initiated between hydrazobenzene and a diethyl ester. As a result, the substance sulfinpyrazone is formed. Since the drug is derived from the substance phenylbutazone, it is well suited for the treatment of gout, among other things. Due to this relationship, the substance also has the effect of slowing down the so-called cyclooxygenase, as it contains special inhibitors. As a consequence, sulfinpyrazone also inhibits the synthesis of so-called prostaglandins, which are found in platelets. The active substance sulfinpyrazone is administered orally in the majority of cases. Dragées containing various concentrations of the substance are primarily used. The only preparations currently available are drugs with the name Anturan. However, these are only available from international pharmacies or certain mail-order pharmacies, as the active ingredient sulfinpyrazone is no longer sold in numerous countries. The mechanism of action of the substance sulfinpyrazone is primarily characterized by the fact that the drug triggers uricusory effects in the human organism. In particular, the reabsorption of uric acid in the kidneys is inhibited by the substance sulfinpyrazone. Here, the anticoagulant effect of the drug is due to the fact that sulfinpyrazone inhibits the secretion of the two substances serotonin and ADP. As a result, the aggregation of platelets is also inhibited. In addition, the substance sulfinpyrazone is also able to have a positive effect on the lifespan of platelets.
Medical application and use
Sulfinpyrazone is suitable for the treatment of various physical ailments and diseases. The most common indication for the prescription of sulfinpyrazone is usually gout. In addition, many doctors prescribe the drug for the prophylaxis of thrombosis. The drug sulfinpyrazone is also occasionally used for the prevention of reinfarction. However, it should be noted that the active ingredient is no longer used in many countries today. Only in the USA and Great Britain are corresponding drugs still available. This is because sulfinpyrazone sometimes has a negative effect on kidney function.For this reason, patients with kidney disease should urgently refrain from taking the drug. The active ingredient is characterized by a high Q0 value, resulting in the formation of metabolites excreted by the kidney.
Risks and side effects
Numerous undesirable side effects and symptoms are possible in the course of therapy with sulfinpyrazone. However, these differ depending on the person being treated and vary depending on the individual case. For example, gastrointestinal complaints frequently occur during treatment with the drug. These can manifest themselves as nausea or vomiting. In addition, the occurrence of ulcers or exanthema is possible. In addition, some patients suffer from fever and dizziness while taking the drug. Bone marrow depression and ataxia are also seen in some cases. Sulfinpyrazone is no longer approved for use in Germany. Because renal failure has occurred in some patients shortly after initiation of therapy. Although renal dysfunction was reversible in some individuals, another patient died.
