Hi folks,

I am studying for an exam and I am trying to make a connection here. I need a simple explanation as to the benefit of Allopurinal & an angina patient. My brain is over worked and the response from my instructor is not sinking in (too much studying)

"Allopurinal inhibits an enzyme which generates free radicals during re-perfusion."

I learn better when I understand function, yet my brain is very full! Any help would be greatly appreciated!

Rachel - 2nd year Nursing student

I've given Zyloprim in clincal before, but this made me curious so I looked it up in my drug book. I understand that Allopurinol is primarily indicated for preventing gout, and it lowers uric acid levels, so it could have a secondary effect of relieving chest pain. Just by doing a little googling I am getting the impression that there is a connection between uric acid and angina...maybe that's what your instructor was getting at? The enzyme it inhibits is xanthine oxidase. I can't find anything that makes a clear connection between allopurinol and chest pain but it would seem like there is definitely some kind of subtle connection there. Hope you get it figured out..I'm curious now too!

We are on the same page, I did the looking up in drug guide and found the same... was just hoping to have a more definite explanation.... if I find out more I will post to settle your curiosity too! Thank you for the help!!

We are on the same page, I did the looking up in drug guide and found the same... was just hoping to have a more definite explanation.... if I find out more I will post to settle your curiosity too! Thank you for the help!!

http://cat.inist.fr/?aModele=afficheN&cpsidt=817190

what were you searching on? this came up, first page searching on xanthine oxidase angina....there are more

Allopurinol reduces myocardial oxygen demand...according to my professor. I personally remembered it for completely incorrect reasons apparently. I thought it was an alpha beta blocker (ilol) I thought it dilated the vessels. Oops!

Hi folks,

I am studying for an exam and I am trying to make a connection here. I need a simple explanation as to the benefit of Allopurinal & an angina patient. My brain is over worked and the response from my instructor is not sinking in (too much studying)

"Allopurinal inhibits an enzyme which generates free radicals during re-perfusion."

I learn better when I understand function, yet my brain is very full! Any help would be greatly appreciated!

Rachel - 2nd year Nursing student