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Asked by: Wenlong Ortolano
medical health pharmaceutical drugsWhy allopurinol is not given in acute gout?
Also to know is, can allopurinol be used in acute gout?
BACKGROUND: Traditionally, allopurinol is not initiated during an acute gout attack to avoid prolonging the painful arthritis. The treating physician determined therapy for the acute gout attack. Standard prophylaxis, with colchicine or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, was prescribed.
Regarding this, should allopurinol be stopped during acute gout?
Do not start allopurinol during an acute attack of gout Allopurinol should not be started at the time of an acute attack of gout, however, if a patient is already taking it regularly, then it should be continued at the same dose.
Lesson Summary Colchicine is used for acute flare ups of gout to act as an anti-inflammatory by reducing swelling and pain. Allopurinol is an antihyperuricemic which prevents the production of uric acid. Colchicine should be given in small doses to prevent side effects.