Patient/caregiver was instructed upon therapeutic uses and mechanism of action of allopurinol as follows
- Uric acid is a by-product of purine (which is a kind of protein) breakdown in the body. Increasing amounts of uric acid also form in the body, secondary to consumption of foods rich in purines.
- Xanthine oxidase is an enzyme in the body, which acts to produce uric acid from purines.
- Uric acid produced in the body is usually completely excreted in the urine. But, if uric acid is produced so much in excess that kidneys cannot clear it in the urine, this extra uric acid can form crystals and get deposited in the body.
- Deposition of uric acid crystals in the joints lead to inflammation of the joints, swelling, and development of gouty arthritis. Deposition of uric acid crystals in renal tissues can result in development of uric acid renal stones, acute pain in the flanks, and obstruction to urine flow and retention of urine.
- Allopurinol is an antigout medication used to reduce the production of uric acid in the body, by inhibiting the enzyme xanthine oxidase.
- Reduced production of uric acid in the body will control/lessen the deposition of uric acid crystals in the joints and tissues and consequently lead to control of pain and inflammation in the gouty joints and prevent development of uric acid renal stones.
