From the Research
Allopurinol 100mg should be taken daily for at least 6 months to 1 year as a long-term treatment for your elevated uric acid level of 471.26 μmol/L (7.9 mg/dL), with the goal of reducing your uric acid level below 360 μmol/L (6 mg/dL) 1. However, considering the most recent and highest quality study, febuxostat may be a more effective option for achieving target serum urate levels, especially in patients with renal dysfunction or intolerance to allopurinol 1. The initial dose of 100mg daily may need to be adjusted after 2-4 weeks based on follow-up uric acid measurements. While taking allopurinol, it is essential to:
- Drink plenty of water (at least 2-3 liters daily)
- Avoid alcohol
- Limit high-purine foods like red meat and seafood Be aware that during the first few months of treatment, you may experience more gout flares as uric acid crystals dissolve, so your doctor might prescribe colchicine or an anti-inflammatory medication as prophylaxis. Regular blood tests to monitor uric acid levels and kidney function are essential to ensure the treatment is effective and safe. It is also important to note that febuxostat has been shown to have superior effects on oxidative stress and pulse wave velocity in patients with severe chronic tophaceous gout compared to allopurinol 2. Therefore, your doctor may consider switching you to febuxostat if you do not respond adequately to allopurinol or experience adverse effects. In any case, it is crucial to work closely with your doctor to determine the best treatment plan for your specific condition and to adjust the treatment as needed to achieve optimal results.