The uric acid is a substance that the organism itself generates by purine breakdown. Although, other types of factors also influence the levels of this substance, such as the consumption of foods rich in purines.
Having excessive levels of uric acid in the blood can be detrimental to health, especially due to the development of a disease known as gout, which constitutes a risk factor for cardiovascular diseases, diabetes or stroke.
Gout is a disease characterized by the accumulation of purine crystals in the joints and in the big toe, which causes inflammation and pain in the affected area. Some people have a greater predisposition to the development of this pathology.
Treatment for gout
One of the drawbacks of having too high levels of uric acid in the blood is that there are hardly any symptoms that indicate this situation, beyond the development of gout.
Person with goutIn other words, the only way to certify that there is hyperuricemia (high levels of uric acid) is through a blood test.
Thus, in the event of gout or high levels of uric acid in the blood, the main treatment will consist of following a specific type of diet. Specifically, this treatment is based on the intake of healthy foods and limiting the consumption of foods rich in purines.
In mild cases, simply following a proper diet and resting will be necessary to recover from gout and cause a decrease in uric acid. However, in severe situations, it is also convenient to take certain medications.
Allopurinol to reduce uric acid
One of the most appropriate and used medications to reduce uric acid levels, and especially in case of gout, is Allopurinol. It is a drug officially approved by the Spanish Agency for Medicines and Health Products (AEMPS).
Specifically, Allopurinol forms part of the group of drugs known as enzyme inhibitors, whose function is to act by controlling the speed at which a certain chemical process takes place in the body.
Actually, Allopurinol is used to prevent the appearance of gout and other health situations caused by excess uric acid in the body; such as kidney stones and certain types of kidney or metabolic diseases.
To take this medication safely in case of high uric acid or to prevent the appearance of gout, it is recommended to follow the administration instructions indicated by a medical specialist.
According to the AEMPS, the usual initial dose of Allopurinol is 100 mg to 300 mg daily. Depending on the patient's situation, your doctor may increase this dose up to 900 mg per day.
The health authorities recommend dividing the doses into several doses a day and accompanying them with food in case of stomach discomfort.
Finally, in case of developing any type of adverse effect after the consumption of Allopurinol to reduce uric acid, you should immediately consult your medical specialist, to make the most appropriate decision in this regard.
