Allopurinol is a drug administered orally or intravenously responsible for treating chronic gout arthritis. Its major metabolite alloxanthine is long acting and non competitive inhibitor-primarily responsible for uric acid synthesis inhibition.

It is also used for treating secondary hyperuricaemia, due to cancer chemotherapy, ridiation & thiazides or drugs, prevention of uric acid nephropathy.

The drug is available in tablet form and each (white) one contains 100 mg allopurinol and other inactive ingredients including lactose, magnesium stearate, potato starch, and povidone. Each peach colored tablet contains 300 mg allopurinol and other inactive ingredients including corn starch, FD&C Yellow No. 6 Lake, lactose, magnesium stearate, and povidone.

Working
This drug acts by inhibiting uric acid production in the body. It will however not relieve a gout attack that has already started and does not cure gout, but helps prevent gout attacks. The drug works only after regularly use for a few months.

The drug is widely used for preventing or treating other medical problems that may occur if too much uric acid is present in the body. eg: certain kidney problems or kidney stones.

Dosage
Initially 100-200 mg daily . Maintain 200-600 mg daily

Contra- Indications: Children, acute gout

Side Effects
The drug has certain side effects, that can affect individuals in different ways. The following are some of the side effects, that are often associated with the drug:

• Rashes
• Fever
• Malaise
• Headache
• Nausea
• Gastric irritation
• Liver damage

Pregnant women should not use the drug, while lactating mothers can use the drug with caution and under the guidance of a medical practitioner. In case of elderly people, reduced may be necessary.

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