Studies on the mechanism of ethambutol‐induced hyperuricemia

Abstract

Abstract The effect of ethambutol on uric acid metabolism was assessed in 14 patients, 8 with gout and 6 with tuberculosis. This antituberculous agent produces hyperuricemia by decreasing the renal clearance of uric acid. Although the exact mechanism responsible for this effect of ethambutol remains undefined, several characteristics were observed which distinguish the effect of this drug from that of other agents which produce hyperuricemia by altering the renal handling of uric acid.