Which drug is used to treat gout by lowering uric acid levels?

Which drug is used to treat gout by lowering uric acid levels?

• A. Allopurinol (Zyloprim)
• B. Ibuprofen
• C. Celecoxib
• D. Prednisone

Answer: (A)

Lowering uric acid levels in gout is achieved with drugs that reduce urate production. Allopurinol works by inhibiting xanthine oxidase, the enzyme that converts hypoxanthine and xanthine into uric acid. With less uric acid formed, there are fewer crystals to deposit in joints and tissues, which helps prevent future gout attacks and promotes dissolution of existing crystals over time. This explains why allopurinol is the best choice for chronic management and prevention of hyperuricemia. The other medications are primarily for relief of inflammation and pain during an acute gout flare rather than lowering uric acid: NSAIDs like ibuprofen or celecoxib reduce inflammation and pain, and prednisone also reduces inflammation systemically.

Lowering uric acid levels in gout is achieved with drugs that reduce urate production. Allopurinol works by inhibiting xanthine oxidase, the enzyme that converts hypoxanthine and xanthine into uric acid. With less uric acid formed, there are fewer crystals to deposit in joints and tissues, which helps prevent future gout attacks and promotes dissolution of existing crystals over time.

This explains why allopurinol is the best choice for chronic management and prevention of hyperuricemia. The other medications are primarily for relief of inflammation and pain during an acute gout flare rather than lowering uric acid: NSAIDs like ibuprofen or celecoxib reduce inflammation and pain, and prednisone also reduces inflammation systemically.