ALLOPURINOL Meaning and
Definition
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Allopurinol is a medication that is primarily used for the treatment of hyperuricemia, a condition characterized by elevated levels of uric acid in the body. It belongs to the class of drugs known as xanthine oxidase inhibitors.
The main mechanism of action of allopurinol involves inhibiting the enzyme xanthine oxidase, which is responsible for the conversion of xanthine and hypoxanthine into uric acid. By blocking this enzyme, allopurinol reduces the production of uric acid, therefore lowering its levels in the bloodstream. This is particularly helpful in individuals with conditions such as gout and certain types of kidney stones, as high levels of uric acid can contribute to their formation.
Additionally, allopurinol also prevents the formation of uric acid crystals, which can accumulate in the joints and other tissues, causing inflammation and pain. By reducing the overall production of uric acid, allopurinol helps prevent the onset of gout attacks and helps dissolve existing uric acid crystals.
Allopurinol is typically taken orally in the form of tablets or capsules and is usually prescribed as a long-term treatment for individuals with chronic hyperuricemia or recurrent gout attacks. It is important to follow the prescribed dosage and consult a healthcare professional for personalized advice, as individual dosing may vary depending on the specific condition being treated and the patient's overall health.
Common Misspellings for ALLOPURINOL
- zllopurinol
- sllopurinol
- wllopurinol
- qllopurinol
- aklopurinol
- aplopurinol
- aolopurinol
- alkopurinol
- alpopurinol
- aloopurinol
- allipurinol
- allkpurinol
- alllpurinol
- allppurinol
- all0purinol
- all9purinol
- alloourinol
- allolurinol
- allo-urinol
Etymology of ALLOPURINOL
The word "allopurinol" has a relatively straightforward etymology. It is derived from the combination of two parts: "allo-" and "-purinol".
1. "Allo-" is a prefix of Greek origin meaning "other" or "different". It is commonly used in medical terms to indicate "alteration" or "opposite". In the case of allopurinol, it implies a modified or altered form of a compound.
2. "-purinol" is derived from the word "purine", which refers to a type of organic compound found in the human body, as well as in certain foods. Purine is a key component in the synthesis of nucleotides, which are building blocks of DNA and RNA.
Combining these two components, the term "allopurinol" implies a modified or altered form of the purine compound.
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