Description

Allopurinol is a xanthine oxidase inhibitor that effectively reduces uric acid production in the body. It works by blocking the enzyme responsible for converting purines into uric acid, thereby lowering serum urate levels. Allopurinol is typically used as a long-term treatment for chronic gout and has been shown to significantly reduce the frequency of gout attacks when taken regularly. A study by Becker et al. (2010) demonstrated that allopurinol, when titrated to appropriate doses, can help up to 80% of patients achieve target serum urate levels. However, it's important to note that allopurinol can cause rare but serious side effects, including Stevens-Johnson syndrome, particularly in patients with certain genetic markers (Hershfield et al., 2013). Regular monitoring and gradual dose escalation are recommended to minimize risks and optimize treatment outcomes.