Potassium oxonate
[CAS# 2207-75-2]

Identification

• Classification: Organic raw materials >> Organometallic salt
• Name: Potassium oxonate
• Synonyms: Oxonic acid potassium salt; Potassium 1,4,5,6-tetrahydro-4,6-dioxo-1,3,5-triazine-2-carboxylate; 4,6-Dihydroxy-1,3,5-triazine-2-carboxylic acid potassium salt
• Molecular Formula: C₄H₂KN₃O₄
• Molecular Weight: 195.17
• CAS Registry Number: 2207-75-2
• EC Number: 218-627-5
• SMILES: C1(=NC(=O)NC(=O)N1)C(=O)[O-].[K+]

Properties

• Melting point: 300 °C

Safety Data

• Hazard Symbols: GHS07 Warning
• Risk Statements: H315-H319-H335
• Safety Statements: P261-P264-P264+P265-P271-P280-P302+P352-P304+P340-P305+P351+P338-P319-P321-P332+P317-P337+P317-P362+P364-P403+P233-P405-P501

Hazard Classification

Hazard	Class	Category Code	Hazard Statement
Eye irritation	Eye Irrit.	2	H319
Specific target organ toxicity - single exposure	STOT SE	3	H335
Skin irritation	Skin Irrit.	2	H315

Discovery and Applications

Potassium oxonate, also known by its chemical name 5-oxo-2,3-dihydroxy-1-pyridinylacetate potassium salt, is a compound that plays an important role in the management of gout and other hyperuricemic conditions. It is most commonly used as part of the pharmacological treatment aimed at lowering uric acid levels in the body. Uric acid, a byproduct of purine metabolism, can accumulate and form crystals in joints and tissues, causing conditions like gout, which is characterized by painful inflammation.

The discovery of potassium oxonate is tied to the ongoing efforts to manage hyperuricemia and gout. The primary mechanism of action of potassium oxonate involves its ability to inhibit xanthine oxidase, an enzyme that catalyzes the conversion of purines to uric acid. Normally, xanthine oxidase plays a key role in the final steps of purine metabolism, converting xanthine into uric acid, which is then excreted in urine. When this process becomes excessive or the kidneys are unable to clear uric acid efficiently, hyperuricemia can develop, leading to the formation of uric acid crystals in joints. This condition, called gout, is often marked by intense pain and inflammation, typically in the toes, knees, and other joints.

Potassium oxonate works by inhibiting xanthine oxidase, reducing the production of uric acid in the body. Its role as a uric acid-lowering agent makes it especially useful in the management of chronic gout and hyperuricemia, where the goal is to maintain uric acid levels within a range that prevents crystal formation and the subsequent flare-ups of joint pain.

In clinical settings, potassium oxonate is often used in combination with other medications that lower uric acid levels. For instance, it is frequently paired with allopurinol, a more potent xanthine oxidase inhibitor, to enhance the effectiveness of treatment. Allopurinol works by blocking the xanthine oxidase enzyme, while potassium oxonate aids in reducing the overall uric acid load in the body. This combination therapy is beneficial for individuals with chronic gout who may not respond adequately to a single agent.

While potassium oxonate is primarily used for gout management, its therapeutic potential extends to other conditions that involve uric acid metabolism. It may be helpful in treating kidney stones formed by uric acid, as it can prevent the further accumulation of uric acid crystals in the renal system. Additionally, potassium oxonate has been explored in the context of diseases that are linked to hyperuricemia, including certain forms of arthritis and cardiovascular disease, although more research is needed to fully understand its broader applications.

The administration of potassium oxonate is typically done through oral or intravenous routes, depending on the specific formulation and the clinical needs of the patient. It is important to monitor the patient's serum uric acid levels during treatment to ensure the effectiveness of the drug. Though generally well tolerated, potassium oxonate may cause side effects in some individuals, including gastrointestinal issues or allergic reactions. Therefore, patients using this medication are often closely monitored by healthcare providers to assess for any adverse reactions.

Given its mechanism of action and efficacy in reducing uric acid levels, potassium oxonate has become a useful tool in the pharmacological management of gout. It is commonly included in treatment regimens for individuals with chronic gout or those who experience recurrent flare-ups. By lowering uric acid concentrations and preventing the formation of painful uric acid crystals in joints, potassium oxonate helps to reduce the frequency and severity of gout attacks, improving the quality of life for many patients.

In summary, potassium oxonate is an important pharmacological agent in the management of hyperuricemia and gout. By inhibiting xanthine oxidase and reducing uric acid production, it contributes to the prevention of urate crystal formation and alleviates the painful symptoms associated with gout. Its use in combination with other uric acid-lowering medications further enhances its therapeutic effects, making it a valuable tool in the treatment of gout and other conditions linked to uric acid metabolism.

References

2004. Effects of Biota orientalis extract and its flavonoid constituents, quercetin and rutin on serum uric acid levels in oxonate-induced mice and xanthine dehydrogenase and xanthine oxidase activities in mouse liver. Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 93(1).
DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2004.03.037

2024. 9-Hydroxy-8-oxypalmatine, a novel liver-mediated oxymetabolite of palmatine, alleviates hyperuricemia and kidney inflammation in hyperuricemic mice. Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 335.
DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2024.118606