Allopurinol and gouty hyperuricemia. Efficacy of a single daily dose
G. P. Rodnan, J. A. Robin, S. F. Tolchin and G. B. Elion
The effect of daily administration of a single 300-mg tablet of allopurinol
on serum urate levels was compared with the effect of divided doses of the
drug (100 mg three times a day) in an open-labeled crossover trial of 20
patients with hyperuricemia and gout. Under both regimens of treatment
there was a prompt fall in serum urate levels, and analysis of variance
indicated no significant difference between the two modes of administration
of allopurinol. Nor was there any significant difference in the minimum
serum levels of oxypurinol. On the basis of this short-term study, the use
of a single 300-mg tablet of allopurinol per day appears to be an effective
means of lowering the elevated serum urate levels of individuals with gouty
hyperuricemia and compares favorably with the results obtained by
allopurinol in divided doses.
