The effect of prednisone and azathioprine (Imuran) on renal excretion of uric acid.

Our study was conducted in two groups of subjects with normal renal function and with normal metabolism of uric acid. Findings showed that the administration of prednisone (Group 1) results in increased renal excretion of uric acid. The observed significant increases in the renal clearance and fractional excretion of uric acid were not associated with any significant alterations in its plasma level. Further, our study did not confirm any effect of azathioprine (Imuran) (Group 2) on renal uric acid excretion, but its administration led to a significant reduction of its plasma level. Imuran appears to act on the metabolism of uric acid extrarenally.