Which medication is known to reduce the incidence of gout flare-ups by inhibiting xanthine oxidase?

Allopurinol is a medication that effectively reduces the incidence of gout flare-ups by inhibiting the enzyme xanthine oxidase. This enzyme plays a crucial role in the purine metabolism pathway, specifically in the conversion of hypoxanthine to xanthine and xanthine to uric acid. By inhibiting xanthine oxidase, allopurinol decreases the production of uric acid, which is the substance that crystallizes in the joints and causes the painful inflammation associated with gout.

In managing gout, lowering uric acid levels is key to preventing future flare-ups, and allopurinol is a standard treatment that helps achieve this goal over time. It is important to note that while allopurinol is effective in preventing gout attacks, it may not address acute gout flare-ups that need immediate treatment with anti-inflammatory medications.

The other medications listed serve different therapeutic purposes: Zyrtec is an antihistamine for allergic reactions, omeprazole is a proton pump inhibitor for gastric acid-related conditions, and simvastatin is used to lower cholesterol levels. None of these medications have a role in the management of uric acid production relative to gout.