Which medication is often prescribed to help prevent recurring gout attacks?

Allopurinol is frequently prescribed for the prevention of recurring gout attacks. Gout is caused by elevated levels of uric acid in the blood, leading to the formation of urate crystals in the joints, which results in inflammation and pain. Allopurinol works by inhibiting xanthine oxidase, an enzyme involved in the production of uric acid. By reducing the uric acid levels in the blood, allopurinol helps to prevent the formation of new urate crystals and decreases the frequency of gout attacks.

In contrast to allopurinol, medications such as ibuprofen and indomethacin are non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) that are primarily used to alleviate pain and reduce inflammation during acute gout attacks, rather than to prevent them. Colchicine, while effective in treating acute gout episodes and preventing attacks, does not address the underlying issue of uric acid overproduction and is not the mainstay for long-term prevention. Therefore, allopurinol stands out as the most appropriate choice for long-term management and prevention of gout recurrences.