ALLOPURINOL

organic compound used in treating gout. Allopurinol interferes with the body's formation of uric acid, a substance present in abnormally large amounts in the blood of persons suffering from gout. In cases of gout, the uric acid forms solid deposits in the joints, the kidneys, and other tissues. Allopurinol is mainly used to treat the severe, chronic forms of gout. Treatment of gout with allopurinol ordinarily is expected to be continued for many years, if not indefinitely. The drug fosters the resorption of solid deposits in the joints, thus improving joint function. Allopurinol is preferred over such uricosuric drugs as probenecid or sulfinpyrazone, because it decreases the amount of uric acid excreted in the urine and thus discourages the formation of uric-acid kidney stones in gout patients. Compare uricosuric.