Allopurinol Mechanism of Action: How It Works and Uses

Allopurinol is the standard medical therapy for treating gout (and some types of kidney stones). It functions by decreasing the production of uric acid in your body that can cause gout attacks and improving kidney function. What are the uses & dosage? Who cannot take Allopurinol? What could happen? We will also briefly discuss how a similar drug, Probenecid, works.

What is Allopurinol?

Allopurinol is a member of the xanthine oxidase inhibitor drug class. It is primarily used to treat hyperuricemia, a disorder marked by elevated blood uric acid levels. Allopurinol works to reduce the levels of uric acid, which helps lower gout attacks and prevent kidney stones made from uric acid.

How Does Allopurinol Work?

Allopurinol prevents the action of the Xanthine oxidase enzyme, which is involved in the production of uric acid. The enzyme xanthine oxidase then converts xanthine to uric acid. Allopurinol treats gout by inhibiting this enzyme; once the activity of an enzyme in charge of a step on the pathway leading to uric acid is stunted or stopped, less and subsequently lower levels can be produced.

The Role of Uric Acid

For those who did not know, uric acid is the by-product that the kidneys usually excrete. When uric acid levels rise, though, it starts to crystallize in joints and tissues, thus triggering gout. Kidney stones can also form if there are high uric acid levels. Allopurinol prevents these conditions by reducing the production of uric acid.

Uses of Allopurinol

Uses of Allopurinol Key Takeaways

Allopurinol tablets are usually administered orally and can be used by adults and children. The dosage varies with the condition and response of the patient to the medication.

Allopurinol Dosage

The appropriate dose of Allopurinol depends on several factors, such as the patient's condition and age. A few rules of thumb:

Special Considerations

Allopurinol Contraindications

Allopurinol may be safe for most people; however, a few contraindications need to be considered.

Allopurinol Side Effects

Allopurinol has side effects, like everything else. However, these are mild and usually resolve on their own.

Serious Side Effects

Such drugs will additionally benefit those suffering from gout who have to take Probenecid. It does this in a way that is different from Allopurinol and acts by increasing the excretion of uric acid throughout your kidneys. Here's how it works:

How Probenecid Works?

Probenecid inhibits the reabsorption of uric acid in the kidneys, which increases urinary excretion. This reduces the uric acid levels in the blood and decreases gout attacks.

Uses of Probenecid

Allopurinol plus Probenecid

Occasionally, Allopurinol and Probenecid are prescribed together to control gout. For patients for whom neither medication helps nor does it help alone, this combination may be particularly effective. That said, the combination of these medications should be care-directed to avoid excessive adverse reactions.

Conclusion

Allopurinol is a medicine used to manage high levels of uric acid in certain conditions, such as gout and kidney stones. By understanding how it works, what dose to take, and the risk of side effects or toxicity, patients can use Allopurinol appropriately. In addition, understanding similar medications such as Probenecid offers greater insight into managing gout and other hyperuricemic states.

If you have any questions or concerns about Allopurinol, consult your healthcare provider for individualized information and guidance.

Frequently Asked Questions