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Gout Medications - Uricosuric Agents
Nutrients
Depleted by Gout Medications
Uricosuric Agents
Nutrients Depleted
Beta-Carotene1
This nutrient is converted to vitamin A by the body, therefore, deficiency
symptoms are the same as those of vitamin A. The earliest symptom is night
blindness. Prolonged deficiency leads to more advanced changes in eye tissue.
Other potential signs of mild to moderate deficiency include rough, dry skin,
anorexia, loss of hair luster, brittle nails, joint pain, and possibly increased
susceptibility to infection.2,3,4
Potassium1
Symptoms of deficiency include anorexia, nausea, drowsiness, fatigue, muscle
pain, and weakness (usually of the lower extremities). Severe cases may lead to
heart irregularities and respiratory difficulties.2,3
Sodium1
Because of the wide availability of sodium in dietary sources, deficiency is
very uncommon. In the rare instances where it does occur, depleted levels have
been associated with gas, nausea and vomiting, discomfort, headache, memory
impairment, diminished attention, muscle weakness, palpitations, lethargy, and
confusion. Extreme cases can cause stupor, seizures, and possibly coma.
Development of symptoms depends in large part on the rate of the loss of
sodium.2,3,4
Vitamin B12
(Cobalamin)1
Deficiency is associated with anemia, neurologic symptoms like tingling (pins
and needles) or diminished sensory perception, sore tongue, weakness,
irritability, confusion, impaired memory, and personality
changes.2,3,4
Editorial Note
The selected depletions information presented here identifies
some of the nutrients that may be depleted by certain medications. The signs and
symptoms associated with nutrient deficiency may also indicate conditions other
than nutrient deficiency. If you are experiencing any of the signs or symptoms
mentioned, it does not necessarily mean that you are nutrient deficient.
Nutrient depletion depends upon a number of factors, including your medical
history, diet, and lifestyle as well as the length of time you have been taking
the medication. Please consult your healthcare provider; he or she can best
assess and address your individual healthcare needs, and determine if you are at
risk for nutrient depletions from these medications as well as others not listed
here. References
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1. | Roe, DA. Drug-Induced Nutritional Deficiencies. Second Edition.
Westport, CT, Avi Publishing, pp. 159-161, 1985. |
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2. | Fauci, A. ed. et. al. Harrison's Principles of Internal
Medicine. Fourteenth Edition. New York, Mc-Graw-Hill Companies Health
Professional Division, 1998. |
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3. | National Research Council, Recommended Dietary Allowances. Tenth
Edition. Washington, DC, National Academy Press, 1989. |
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4. | Kirschmann, G. and Kirschmann, J. Nutrition Almanac. Fourth
Edition. McGraw-Hill, 1996.
Copyright © 2000 Integrative Medicine
Communications
The publisher does not accept any responsibility for the
accuracy of the information or the consequences arising from the application,
use, or misuse of any of the information contained herein, including any injury
and/or damage to any person or property as a matter of product liability,
negligence, or otherwise. No warranty, expressed or implied, is made in regard
to the contents of this material. No claims or endorsements are made for any
drugs or compounds currently marketed or in investigative use. This material is
not intended as a guide to self-medication. The reader is advised to discuss the
information provided here with a doctor, pharmacist, nurse, or other authorized
healthcare practitioner and to check product information (including package
inserts) regarding dosage, precautions, warnings, interactions, and
contraindications before administering any drug, herb, or supplement discussed
herein.
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