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Allopurinol during gout flare — GPhC CRA MCQ

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ModerateMusculoskeletal TherapeuticsAllopurinol during gout flareGPhC CRA

A 62-year-old man with gout takes allopurinol 300mg daily. He develops an acute painful swollen first metatarsophalangeal joint and asks whether to stop allopurinol during the attack. What would you advise the patient?

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Correct answer: B — Continue allopurinol and treat the acute attack separately

Allopurinol should usually be continued during an acute gout attack if the patient is already established on it. Stopping can destabilise urate control and contribute to further attacks. The acute flare should be treated with an appropriate anti-inflammatory option, considering comorbidities and interactions.

Reference: NICE CKS; BNF