URICOSURIC

any agent that reduces the concentration of uric acid in the blood by increasing the rate of its excretion in the urine. Such drugs are used in the treatment of gout, a disease caused by abnormally high concentrations of uric acid in the bloodstream. Uricosurics act by inhibiting the reabsorption of uric acid by the tubules in the kidneys. Probenecid and sulfinpyrazone are the principal uricosurics. The effects of uricosuric drugs depend on the dose: many uricosurics when given in large doses increase uric acid excretion but in low doses actually decrease the excretion of it. Compare allopurinol.