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Allopurinol monitoring — GPhC CRA MCQ

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HardMusculoskeletal TherapeuticsAllopurinol monitoringGPhC CRA

A 64-year-old man on bendroflumethiazide 2.5mg daily has repeated gout attacks. The GP starts allopurinol 100mg daily and asks the pharmacy what baseline and follow-up checks are relevant. His eGFR is 48mL/min/1.73m2. What monitoring is required?

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Correct answer: C — Renal function, liver function, full blood count and serum urate

Allopurinol requires consideration of renal function for dosing and monitoring, and serum urate is used to guide long-term urate-lowering therapy. Blood count and liver function monitoring may be advised according to local practice and clinical context. The patient should also be counselled about rash and flare prophylaxis if prescribed.

Reference: BNF; NICE CKS