Rheumatology · Non-purine xanthine oxidase inhibitor
Febuxostat
Dose
80 mg PO OD; increase to 120 mg if urate >360 µmol/L after 4 weeks.
Contraindications
- • Ischaemic heart disease or heart failure — increased cardiovascular mortality signal
Use
Urate-lowering when allopurinol is not tolerated or ineffective.
Monitoring
Serum urate to target <360 µmol/L (<300 with tophi), LFTs.
Side effects
- • Gout flare on initiation (co-prescribe prophylaxis)
- • Transaminitis
- • Rash
Always confirm dose against your local formulary / BNF before prescribing.
