NCIt definition : An orally available, non-purine inhibitor of xanthine oxidase with uric acid lowering
activity. Upon oral administration, febuxostat selectively and noncompetitively inhibits
the activity of xanthine oxidase, an enzyme that converts oxypurines, including hypoxanthine
and xanthine, into uric acid. By inhibiting xanthine oxidase, uric acid production
is reduced and serum uric acid levels are lowered. Febuxostat may provide protection
against acute renal failure caused by the excessive release of uric acid that occurs
upon massive tumor cell lysis resulting from the treatment of some malignancies.;