A patient with gout who has increasingly frequent acute gouty ...

[Jipu 123]

A patient with gout who has increasingly frequent acute gouty attacks will begin receiving allopurinol (Zyloprim) and colchicine. The nurse will include which statement when teaching the patient about this drug regimen?
 
  a. Allopurinol helps reduce the gastrointestinal side effects of colchicine.
  b. Allopurinol reduces the likelihood of gouty episodes that usually occur with initial colchicine therapy.
  c. The colchicine is given to enhance the effects of the allopurinol.
  d. You will take both drugs initially and then stop taking the colchicine.

Question 2

A patient is being treated with warfarin (Coumadin) to prevent thrombus. The patient develops hyperuricemia, and the provider orders allopurinol (Zyloprim). The nurse will contact the provider to discuss _____ the _____ dose.
 
  a. increasing; allopurinol
  b. increasing; warfarin
  c. reducing; allopurinol
  d. reducing; warfarin

[ju]

Answer to Question 1

ANS: D
Colchicine is used for prophylaxis when urate-lowering drugs, such as allopurinol, are initiated, because gouty episodes have a tendency to increase during this time. Patients start with both drugs, and ultimately the colchicine is withdrawn. Allopurinol does not affect the GI side effects caused by colchicine. Allopurinol may precipitate an acute gouty attack when treatment is begun; colchicine is given to prevent a gouty episode. Colchicine does not enhance the effects of allopurinol.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: D
Allopurinol can inhibit hepatic drug-metabolizing enzymes and thus delay the inactivation of other drugs. This is a particular concern in patients taking warfarin; therefore, the warfarin dose should be reduced when allopurinol is also used. It is not correct to increase the allopurinol dose, increase the warfarin dose, or reduce the allopurinol dose.

[Jipu 123]

Thanks for the timely response, appreciate it

[rachel]

Great answer, keep it coming