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Allopurinol continuation during flare — GPhC CRA MCQ

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ModerateMusculoskeletal TherapeuticsAllopurinol continuation during flareGPhC CRA

A patient taking allopurinol 300 mg daily for gout develops an acute flare after a weekend of dehydration. They ask whether to stop allopurinol until the pain settles. What would you advise the patient?

Educational content. Not a substitute for clinical judgement or local policy.

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Correct answer: A — Continue allopurinol and treat the acute flare appropriately

Patients already established on allopurinol should generally continue it during an acute flare. Stopping can destabilise urate control and contribute to further flares. The acute flare should be treated with an appropriate anti-inflammatory option. Allopurinol is not an analgesic and dose changes should be supervised.

Reference: NICE CKS; BNF