Skip to main content

Sulfinpyrazone Side Effects

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Jan 24, 2024.

Applies to sulfinpyrazone: oral capsule, oral tablet.

Warning

To reduce the risk that kidney stones will form, drink at least 8 to 10 full glasses (8 ounces) of fluid every day, unless your doctor tells you not to.

Take sulfinpyrazone with food, milk, or an antacid to lessen stomach upset.

Do not take aspirin, salsalate (Disalcid), magnesium salicylate (Magan, Doan’s), choline and magnesium salicylate (Trilisate), or other aspirin-like products without the approval of your doctor. These products decrease the effects of sulfinpyrazone. Taking one aspirin a day to reduce the risk of a heart attack is usually acceptable. Talk to your doctor.

Stop taking sulfinpyrazone and seek emergency medical attention if you experience an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of your throat; swelling of your lips, tongue, or face; or hives).

Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Heartburn, nausea, and upset stomach are the most common side effects of sulfinpyrazone therapy. Take each dose with food, milk, or an antacid to decrease these side effects.

Contact your doctor as soon as possible if you experience an acute attack of gouty arthritis.

Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

For Healthcare Professionals

Applies to sulfinpyrazone: oral capsule, oral tablet.

Gastrointestinal

Gastrointestinal symptoms have been the most frequently reported side effects. Peptic ulcer disease may be exacerbated or reactivated.[Ref]

Hematologic

Hematologic side effects including anemia, leukopenia, agranulocytosis, thrombocytopenia, and aplastic anemia have occurred. Two cases of leukemia following chronic sulfinpyrazone therapy have been reported. Concomitant drug therapy was also reported and a causal relationship with sulfinpyrazone has not been established.[Ref]

Dermatologic

Dermatologic side effects have been limited to rash.[Ref]

Renal

Renal failure has been reported. Suggested mechanisms have included hypersensitivity induced interstitial nephritis, tubular-interstitial damage due to precipitation of urinary uric acid crystals, and inhibition of renal prostaglandin synthesis. Urolithiasis and renal colic may occur following initiation of therapy. Adequate fluid intake and urinary alkalinization are recommended.[Ref]

Musculoskeletal

Mobilization of urates during initiation of therapy has resulted in musculoskeletal symptoms of acute gouty arthritis.[Ref]

References

1. Mattingly D, Bradley M, Selley PJ. Hazards of sulphinpyrazone. Br Med J. 1978;2:1786-7.

2. Product Information. Anturane (sulfinpyrazone). Novartis Pharmaceuticals. 2001;PROD.

3. Keidar S, Kohan R, Levy J, et al. Non oliguric acute renal failure after treatment with sulfinpyrazone. Clin Nephrol. 1982;17:266-7.

4. Lenfant F, Lahet JJ, Volot F, Schafer I, Freysz M, Rochette L. Effects of bupivacaine on human erythrocytes submitted to stress and evidence for an interaction between bupivacaine and flumazenil. Br J Clin Pharmacol. 1999;48:826-8.

5. Howard T, Hoy RH, Warren S, Georgiev M, Selinger H. Acute renal dysfunction due to sulfinpyrazone therapy in post- myocardial infarction cardiomegaly: reversible hypersensitiv interstitial nephritis. Am Heart J. 1981;102:294-5.

6. Walls M, Goral S, Stone W. Acute renal failure due to sulfinpyrazone. Am J Med Sci. 1998;315:319-21.

7. Braun J. Abnormalities of urinary sediment and renal failure following sulfinpyrazone therapy. Arch Intern Med. 1976;136:1060-1.

8. Keidar S, Kohan R, Levy J, Grenadier E, Palant A, Ben Ari J. Non oliguric acute renal failure after treatment with sulfinpyrazone. Clin Nephrol. 1982;17:266-7.

9. Lijnen P, Boelaert J, van Eeghem P, Daneels R, Schurgers M, de Jaegere P, van der Stichele E, Vincke J, Fagard R, Verschueren LJ, Amery A. Decrease in renal function due to sulphinpyrazone treatment early after myocardial infarction. Clin Nephrol. 1983;19:143-6.

10. Boelaert J, Lijnen P, Robbens E, Rocher A, Daneels R, Schurgers M, Amery A. Impairment of renal function due to sulphinpyrazone after coronary artery bypass surgery: a prospective double-blind study. J Cardiovasc Pharmacol. 1986;8:386-91.

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Some side effects may not be reported. You may report them to the FDA.