Febuxostat is a non-purine, selective inhibitor of xanthine oxidase being developed for the management of hyperuricaemia in patients with gout. With febuxostat 10-120 mg, the pharmacokinetics are linear. No dose adjustment appears to be necessary in those with renal insufficiency or mild-to-moderate hepatic impairment. Febuxostat 10-120 mg/day rapidly and sustainably reduces serum uric acid by 25-70% in uric acid underexcretors and overproducers. Prophylaxis with colchicine or a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug can mitigate the gout-flare risk from the rapid urate lowering after febuxostat initiation. Febuxostat is well tolerated, the majority of treatment-related adverse events are transient and mild-to-moderate in severity. Febuxostat can broaden the therapeutic options for urate-lowering therapy in those with gout.