Allopurinol

/ˌæloʊˈpjʊrɪˌnɔːl/ noun

Definition

A medication that reduces uric acid production in the body, used to treat gout and other conditions caused by excess uric acid buildup.

Etymology

From Greek 'allo-' (other, different) + 'purine' (a type of organic compound) + chemical suffix '-ol'. Synthesized in the 1960s as a drug that works by inhibiting xanthine oxidase enzyme.

Kelly Says

Allopurinol was a game-changer for gout patients—instead of just treating the painful attacks like previous medicines did, it prevents them by stopping the body from making excess uric acid in the first place, a smart example of preventive medicine.

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