Search Content

Sulfinpyrazone

Pronounced

"sull-fin-PIE-ruh-zone"

Common brand names:

Zynol

Uses

This medication is used to prevent gout and gouty arthritis. It will not treat a sudden/severe attack of gout and may make it worse. Gout occurs when your uric acid level gets too high, forming uric acid crystals in the joints that cause pain. Sulfinpyrazone belongs to a class of drugs known as uricosurics. It helps the kidneys to get rid of uric acid, thereby lowering high levels of uric acid and preventing crystals from forming. Lowering uric acid levels may also help your kidneys.

How to Use This Medication

Take this medication by mouth as directed by your doctor, usually twice daily. Take it with food, milk, or antacids to reduce stomach upset. To prevent kidney stones, it is best to drink a full glass of water (8 ounces or 240 milliliters) with each dose and at least another 8 glasses a day while taking this drug. If your doctor has directed you to restrict your fluid intake, consult your doctor for further instructions. Your doctor may also instruct you on how to decrease acidity in your urine (such as by avoiding large amounts of ascorbic acid/vitamin C) to prevent kidney stones. Your doctor may direct you to take other medications (such as sodium bicarbonate, citrate) to make your urine less acidic.

Dosage is based on your condition and response to treatment. Your doctor may direct you to take a low dose at first, then adjust your dose based on uric acid levels and your gout symptoms. After you have been symptom-free for several months and your uric acid levels are normal, your doctor may lower your dose to the lowest effective dose. Follow your doctor's directions carefully.

If you are also taking cholestyramine, take sulfinpyrazone at least 1 hour before or 4-6 hours after cholestyramine. Consult your doctor for more details.

Sulfinpyrazone should not be started during a sudden/severe gout attack. Wait until your current attack is over before starting this medication. You may experience an increase in the number of gout attacks for several months after starting this medicine while the body removes extra uric acid. If you have a gout attack while taking sulfinpyrazone, keep taking it along with your medications for gout pain.

Sulfinpyrazone is not a pain reliever. To relieve pain from gout, continue to take your medicines prescribed for pain from gout attacks (such as colchicine, ibuprofen, indomethacin) as directed by your doctor.

Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, take it at the same times each day. Tell your doctor if your condition lasts or gets worse.

RxAnswers™ is a copyrighted combined product from TraceGains and First DataBank, Inc.

Drug information is selected from data included with permission and copyrighted by First DataBank, Inc. This is a summary and does not contain all possible information about this product. For complete information about this product or your specific health needs, ask your healthcare professional. Always seek the advice of your healthcare professional if you have any questions about this product or your medical condition. This information is not intended as individual medical advice and does not substitute for the knowledge and judgment of your healthcare professional. This information does not contain any assurances that this product is safe, effective or appropriate for you.

This information is intended only for residents of the United States. Products sold under the same brand names in other countries may contain different ingredients.

Learn more about First DataBank

There are some limitations on the information provided in “Nutrient Interactions.” Do NOT rely solely on the information in this article. Please read the disclaimer.

Learn more about TraceGains, the company.

TraceGains and/or its suppliers make no warranties or representations as to the accuracy or completeness of this content herein or that of any organization referred or linked to within this content and will not be liable for any damages arising out of your access to or use of any information found herein or that of any organization referred to within this content.

Information expires December 2025.