Communicating information

Question 1

what class is allopurinol?

Answer 1

xanthine oxidase

Question 2

when should allopurinol be started after an acute attack?

Answer 2

2 weeks - little evidence to suggest - just theoretical risk of further acute attack

Question 3

what is the stating dose of allopurinol?

Answer 3

100mg OD

Question 4

when is urate lowering therapy recomended?

Answer 4

from first attack but particularly >2 attacks in 12 months
Tophi
Renal disease
Uric acid renal stones
prophylaxis if on cytotoxics or diuretics

Question 5

what is a serious side effect of allopurinol?

Answer 5

RASH - Stevens johnson syndome, drug reaction easinophilia and systemic symptoms, severe cutanous reaction

Question 6

what are 3 interactions with allopurinol?

Answer 6

Azithioprine - allopurinol causes increase in plasma conc by inhibiting breakdown

Cyclophosphamide - allopurinol reduces renal clearance so may cause marrow toxicity

Theophylline - allopurinol causes increase in plasma conc by inhibiting breakdown