Tienilic acid, also known as ticrynafen, is a medication used to treat high blood pressure, high cholesterol and heart disease. It is a type of fibrate, which is a class of drugs used to lower cholesterol levels. It helps to reduce the production of LDL cholesterol (bad cholesterol) and triglycerides, and increase the production of HDL cholesterol (good cholesterol). It is usually taken once or twice a day with food. Side effects may include stomach upset, nausea and muscle pain. In some cases, it can cause liver damage or allergic reactions.
Tienilic acid, also known as ticrynafen, was a loop diuretic medication that was once used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension) and lower uric acid levels. It was introduced in the market in 1979 but was withdrawn from use in 1982 after reports linked it to severe liver damage and hepatitis.
Here's a breakdown of what tienilic acid was supposed to do:
- Diuretic effect: Loop diuretics work by increasing the excretion of water and electrolytes (salts) from the kidneys. This helps to reduce blood volume, which in turn lowers blood pressure.
- Uricosuric effect: Tienilic acid also increased the excretion of uric acid, a waste product produced during the breakdown of purines in the body. High uric acid levels can lead to gout, a type of arthritis.
Tienilic acid was withdrawn from the market due to safety concerns. It was found to cause liver damage in some people, and several deaths were reported. The exact mechanism of how tienilic acid caused liver damage is not fully understood, but it is believed to be related to its interaction with cytochrome P450 enzymes in the liver. These enzymes are responsible for metabolizing (breaking down) many drugs and other chemicals.