Allopurinol-a Drug that Manages Gout

Allopurinol is a drug that is used in the longer term management of gout. After the initial attack of gout is over and the cause of gout determined, Allopurinol is often used. It does not prevent an attack directly, but works by reducing the levels of uric acid in the blood. It causes the kidney to excrete more uric acid, but as it works on the kidney it is not very useful for those with kidney disease. The side effects of Allopurinol are not common, but are serious when they do occur. The side effects include hypersensitivity syndrome that consists of a fever, skin rash and worsening kidney function. An individual who uses it, he or she must be aware of the said adverse effects.