Hypouricemic effect of zuclopenthixol: a potential marker of drug compliance?

Twelve newly-admitted psychotic patients were treated with clinical doses of zuclopenthixol (ZPT). Plasma uric acid (PUA) was measured before and during treatment. ZPT reduced PUA in all the patients by an average of 29.6% (P < 0.0001). PUA levels during treatment correlated with those obtained before treatment (R = 0.871, P < 0.0002). PUA returned to initial levels on discontinuation of treatment. Uric acid excretion increased during treatment. It is concluded that ZPT is a potent uricosuric agent, capable of producing persistent hypouricemia while administered. Such hypouricemia might be a useful indicator of drug compliance.