10.9 Antigout

Antigout medications are used to treat gout, a musculoskeletal disorder. Some antigout medications, such as colchicine, are classified as anti-inflammatory medications. Allopurinol is commonly used to prevent gout from recurring.

Allopurinol

Mechanism of Action

Allopurinol blocks the production of uric acid by inhibiting the action of xanthine oxidase.^[1]

Indications for Use

Allopurinol is used for the prevention and treatment of gouty arthritis and nephropathy and for the treatment of secondary hyperuricemia.

Nursing Considerations Across the Lifespan

Allopurinol is safe for all ages. For clients with renal impairment, the dose will be reduced.

Adverse/Side Effects

Adverse effects include hypotension, flushing, hypertension, drowsiness, nausea and vomiting, diarrhea, hepatitis, renal failure, or a drug rash with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS) syndrome or drug hypersensitivity syndrome.^[2]

Client Teaching & Education

The medication should be taken as directed.  An alkaline diet may be ordered for the client, and they may be advised to increase fluid intake to prevent kidney stone formation. The medication may cause dizziness or drowsiness. Clients who consume large amounts of alcohol may increase uric acid concentrations and decrease the effectiveness of the medication. If clients develop a rash or blood in the urine, this should be reported promptly to the healthcare provider.

Medication cards like this are intended to assist students to learn key points about each medication. Because information about medication is constantly changing, nurses should always consult evidence-based resources to review current recommendations before administering specific medication. Basic information related to each class of medication is outlined below.  Prototype or generic medication examples are also hyperlinked to a free resource at Daily Med. On the home page, enter the drug name in the search bar to read more about the medication.

Table 10.7b Allopurinol  Medication Card.^{[4][5][6][7][/footnote]}