Allopurinol Mechanism of Action for Gout

The video discusses the mechanism of action of allopurinol, a drug used to manage gout by inhibiting xanthine oxidase, thereby reducing uric acid levels. It explains the purine degradation pathway, the role of xanthine oxidase, and how uric acid accumulation leads to gout and inflammation. The video also covers the pharmacological approach to reducing uric acid and the specific mechanism by which allopurinol functions, along with guidelines for its use in preventing gout attacks.

What is the initial molecule that all purines are eventually degraded into?

• Hypoxanthine

• Uric Acid

• Xanthine

• Allopurinol

Which enzyme is responsible for converting xanthine into uric acid?

• Allopurinol

• NADPH Phagosome Oxidase

• Urate Oxidase

• Xanthine Oxidase

Why is uric acid considered a metabolic dead end in humans?

• Humans lack the enzyme xanthine oxidase

• Humans lack the enzyme urate oxidase

• Uric acid is converted into hypoxanthine

• Uric acid is easily eliminated

What condition can result from the buildup of uric acid in humans?

• Gout

• Hypertension

• Diabetes

• Osteoporosis

Which enzyme's activation is linked to the formation of gouty crystals?

• Urate Oxidase

• Allopurinol

• NADPH Phagosome Oxidase

• Xanthine Oxidase

How does allopurinol help in reducing uric acid levels?

• By increasing uric acid production

• By inhibiting xanthine oxidase

• By converting uric acid into hypoxanthine

• By activating NADPH phagosome oxidase

When is allopurinol typically used in the treatment of gout?

• During an acute gout attack

• When other treatments fail

• As a preventative measure during remission

• Only when uric acid levels are normal