Mechanisms of action of sulphinpyrazone.

Sulphinpyrazone normalises the shortened platelet survival associated with gout or artificial heart valves and has shown benefit in secondary prevention of myocardial infarction. The compound is metabolised in all species but in variable amounts to a sulphide metabolite which is a potent cyclo-oxygenase inhibitor. At the plasma concentration found in man, the metabolic inhibits prostaglandin synthesis-dependent platelet behaviour and this is therefore the likely mechanism of action of sulphinpyrazone. The compound has some additional effects which may be important.