What should a client taking allopurinol (Zyloprim) for gout be advised to do?

Clients taking allopurinol for gout should be advised to drink at least 8 glasses of fluid every day. This recommendation is important because increasing fluid intake helps to dilute the uric acid in the urine and promotes the excretion of uric acid, which is crucial for preventing gout attacks and minimizing the risk of kidney stones. Allopurinol works by reducing the production of uric acid, but adequate hydration reinforces its effectiveness by enhancing urinary flow and decreasing the concentration of uric acid in the body.

Maintaining high fluid intake also helps alleviate some potential side effects associated with allopurinol, such as renal complications. Inadequate hydration could lead to a higher risk of crystallization of uric acid, which can exacerbate gout symptoms and lead to further complications. Thus, ensuring sufficient fluid intake is a key component of managing gout in patients taking allopurinol.