Donifoxate Tablet 40 mg Tablet (Febuxostat) — Uses, Dosage & NAFDAC

Who is this for?

What is this drug?

Febuxostat is a medicine that lowers the level of uric acid in your blood by blocking the enzyme that produces it, helping to prevent gout attacks and kidney problems caused by too much uric acid.

What is it used for?

Gout (a type of severe joint pain and swelling caused by high uric acid)high uric acid levels in the blood

Browse by condition

Arthritis & Joint Pain Kidney & Urinary Gout

How it works

Inhibits xanthine oxidase, the enzyme responsible for converting hypoxanthine and xanthine to uric acid, thereby reducing serum uric acid levels and preventing gout attacks and uric acid-related complications.

Prescription Required

You need a doctor's prescription to buy this drug.

Quick Interaction Check

Is Febuxostat safe to take with another drug?

Check with multiple drugs →

Similar drugs

Allopurinol

Explore this drug

How to take this drug

The usual starting dose is one 40 mg tablet once daily. If your uric acid level is still high after 2-4 weeks, your doctor may increase it to 80 mg once daily. You can take it with or without food, at the same time each day. Swallow the tablet whole with water.

What if I Miss a Dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. But if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed one and continue with your regular schedule. Do not take two tablets at once to make up for it.

What to watch out for

When you first start febuxostat, gout flare-ups may actually increase for a while — your doctor may give you another medicine alongside it to prevent this, so do not stop taking it on your own. Only buy from licensed pharmacies — avoid roadside sellers or unverified online stores as fake drugs are common. Do not share this medicine with others even if they also have gout, as dosing depends on individual test results.

Common Side Effects

Liver problems (your doctor may run blood tests)
joint pain or gout flare-ups especially when you first start taking it
nausea
skin rash
and diarrhea.

Serious Side Effects

Severe allergic reaction (swelling of the face
lips
or throat
difficulty breathing
severe skin rash or peeling) — go to the hospital immediately. Chest pain or symptoms of a heart attack or stroke such as sudden weakness
slurred speech
or severe headache — seek emergency help right away.

Drug Interactions

Do not take febuxostat with azathioprine or mercaptopurine (drugs used for immune conditions or cancer) as it can cause dangerous toxicity. Be cautious if you are taking theophylline (used for asthma). Avoid excessive alcohol as it raises uric acid levels and works against the medicine.

Check your specific combination

Is it safe to take Febuxostat with your other drugs?

Check →

Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Warning

Febuxostat is not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding — consult your doctor before using it if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or nursing a baby.

Who Should NOT Take This

People allergic to febuxostat or any of its ingredients
people currently having a gout attack (start only after the attack has settled)
people with severe liver or kidney disease (unless your doctor specifically approves it)
and people already taking azathioprine or mercaptopurine.

How to Store

Store in a cool, dry place below 30°C — away from direct sunlight and humidity, which can be a problem in Nigerian weather. Keep the tablets in their original pack and far out of reach of children.

For information only — not medical advice. Always talk to a doctor or pharmacist before changing your medication.

Donifoxate Tablet 40 mg