Anturane®

sulfinpyrazone USP

Tablets Capsules

Prescribing Information

DESCRIPTION

Anturane, sulfinpyrazone USP, is a uricosuric agent available as 100-mg tablets and 200-mg capsules for oral administration. Its chemical name is 1,2-diphenyl-4-[2-(phenylsulfinyl) ethyl]-3,5-pyrazolidinedione, and its structural formula is

      Sulfinpyrazone USP is a white to off-white powder practically insoluble in water and in solvent hexane, soluble in alcohol and in acetone, and sparingly soluble in dilute alkali. Its molecular weight is 404.48.

     Inactive Ingredients. Anturane tablets: Colloidal silicon dioxide, gelatin, lactose, magnesium stearate, cornstarch, stearic acid, and talc.

      Anturane capsules: D&C Red No. 33, D&C Yellow No. 10, FD&C Blue No. 1, gelatin, lactose, magnesium stearate, methylparaben, propylparaben, silicon dioxide, sodium lauryl sulfate, cornstarch, stearic acid, talc, and titanium dioxide.

CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY

Its pharmacologic activity is the potentiation of the urinary excretion of uric acid. It is useful for reducing the blood urate levels in patients with chronic tophaceous gout and acute intermittent gout, and for promoting the resorption of tophi.

INDICATIONS

Anturane is indicated for the treatment of:

1. Chronic gouty arthritis
   
2. Intermittent gouty arthritis

CONTRAINDICATIONS

Patients with an active peptic ulcer or symptoms of gastrointestinal inflammation or ulceration should not receive the drug.

      The drug is contraindicated in patients with a history or the presence of:

1. Hypersensitivity to phenylbutazone or other pyrazoles
   
2. Blood dyscrasias

WARNINGS

Studies on the teratogenicity of pyrazole compounds in animals have yielded inconclusive results. Up to the present time, however, there have been no reported cases of human congenital malformation proved to be due to the use of the drug.

      It is suggested that Anturane be used with caution in pregnant women, weighing the potential risks against the possible benefits.

PRECAUTIONS

As with all pyrazole compounds, patients receiving Anturane should be kept under close medical supervision and periodic blood counts are recommended. It may be administered with care to patients with a history of healed peptic ulcer.

      Recent reports have indicated that Anturane potentiates the action of certain sulfonamides, such as sulfadiazine and sulfisoxazole. In addition, other pyrazole compounds (phenylbutazone) have been observed to potentiate the hypoglycemic sulfonylurea agents, as well as insulin. In view of these observations, it is suggested that Anturane be used with caution in conjunction with sulfa drugs, the sulfonylurea hypoglycemic agents and insulin.

      Because Anturane is a potent uricosuric agent, it may precipitate urolithiasis and renal colic, especially in the initial stages of therapy. For this reason, an adequate fluid intake and alkalinization of the urine are recommended. In cases with significant renal impairment, periodic assessment of renal function is indicated. Occasional cases of renal failure have been reported; but a cause-and-effect relationship has not always been clearly established.

      Salicylates antagonize the uricosuric action of Anturane and for this reason their concomitant use is contraindicated in gouty arthritis.

      Anturane may accentuate the action of coumarin-type anticoagulants and further depress prothrombin activity when these medications are employed simultaneously.

PEDIATRIC USE

Safety and effectiveness in pediatric patients have not been established.

ADVERSE REACTIONS

The most frequently reported adverse reactions with Anturane have been upper gastrointestinal disturbances. In these patients it is advisable to administer the drug with food, milk, or antacids. Despite this precaution, Anturane may aggravate or reactivate peptic ulcer.

      Rash has been reported. In most instances, this reaction did not necessitate discontinuance of therapy. In general, Anturane has not been observed to affect electrolyte balance.

      Blood dyscrasias (anemia, leukopenia, agranulocytosis, thrombocytopenia, and aplastic anemia) have rarely been reported. There has also been a published report associating Anturane, administered concomitantly with other drugs including colchicine, with leukemia following long-term treatment of patients with gout. However, the circumstances involved in the two cases reported are such that a cause-and-effect relationship to Anturane has not been clearly established.

OVERDOSAGE

DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION

HOW SUPPLIED

Tablets 100 mg – round, white, scored (imprinted CIBA 41)

      Bottles of 100 ....................................... NDC 0083-0041-30

Capsules 200 mg – green (imprinted Anturane 200 CIBA 168)

      Bottles of 100 ....................................... NDC 0083-0168-30

Do not store above 86°F (30°C).

Dispense in tight container (USP).

                                         C96-18 (Rev. 4/96)

C I B A

Ciba-Geigy Corporation

Pharmaceuticals Division

Summit, New Jersey 07901

PRINCIPAL DISPLAY PANEL

Anturane®