Question:

Which of the following is a non-purine xanthine oxidase inhibitor used to treat hyperuricemia?

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Hyperuricemia (high uric acid) is managed either by reducing uric acid production or by increasing its excretion. Xanthine oxidase inhibitors reduce production by blocking the enzyme that converts purines into uric acid.
Updated On: Jun 24, 2026
  • Allopurinol
  • Probenecid
  • Febuxostat
  • Pegloticase
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The Correct Option is C

Solution and Explanation

Concept:
Hyperuricemia (high uric acid) is managed either by reducing uric acid production or by increasing its excretion. Xanthine oxidase inhibitors reduce production by blocking the enzyme that converts purines into uric acid.

Step 1: Allopurinol is a xanthine oxidase inhibitor, but it is a purine analogue, so it does not fit the "non-purine" requirement.

Step 2: Febuxostat is a newer xanthine oxidase inhibitor with a completely non-purine chemical structure (a thiazole carboxylic acid derivative). This makes it the correct answer.

Why the other choices are wrong: Probenecid is a uricosuric agent (it increases excretion). Pegloticase is a recombinant uricase enzyme that breaks down uric acid into allantoin. Neither inhibits xanthine oxidase.

Answer: Option (3) — Febuxostat is the non-purine xanthine oxidase inhibitor. (3)
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