Uricosuric

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Uricosuric medications (drugs) are substances that increase the excretion of uric acid in the urine, thus reducing uric acid concentrations in plasma. Generally, this effect is achieved by action on the distal renal tubule.

Uricosurics often are used in the treatment of gout, a disease in which uric acid crystals deposit in joints and cause pain. By decreasing plasma uric acid levels, these drugs decrease the deposition of crystals in joints, eventually decreasing inflammation and thereby mitigating the pain of gout.

Examples of uricosuric drugs include probenecid, benzbromarone and sulfinpyrazone.

Guaifenesin has uricosuric properties, though its main use is as an expectorant. Losartan also has uricosuric properties, though that is not its main use.

All diuretics raise uric acid levels and are therefore anti-uricosurics.