Allopurinol is the oldest and most well-known medication for preventing gout attacks by reducing uric acid production. It's a preventive treatment, not an acute attack treatment.
How It Works:
- Inhibits Xanthine Oxidase enzyme that converts purine to uric acid.
- Gradually lowers uric acid until deposited crystals dissolve.
When Prescribed:
- Two or more attacks per year.
- Kidney stones caused by uric acid.
- Uric acid deposits (Tophi) in joints or ears.
- Kidney disease with elevated uric acid.
Important Rules:
- Start with small dose (100mg) and increase gradually — starting high causes an attack.
- Don't start during an acute attack — wait two weeks.
- Continue lifelong — stopping causes attack recurrence.
- Take preventive colchicine for the first 3-6 months.
- Target: uric acid below 6 mg/dl.
At BEIT TARIQ Center, we start Allopurinol cautiously and monitor uric acid levels to adjust dosing.