ABSTRACT
After completing this chapter, the reader should be able to:
define hyperuricaemia and describe its consequences;
outline the major characteristics of gout;
state the major pathophysiological steps involved in gouty arthritis;
name the types of drug used in the treatment of hyperuricaemia and gout;
compare the similarities and differences in the actions of the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and colchicine;
define a uricosuric agent and briefly outline its action;
define a uricolytic agent and briefly outline its action;
state the action of allopurinol and its
application to the treatment of hyperuricaemia and gout;
state the types of adverse effect commonly expected when anti-inflammatory drugs, uricosuric agents and allopurinol are used.
