Final answer:
Xanthine oxidase inhibitors are medications that block the activity of the enzyme xanthine oxidase. They are used to treat conditions such as gout, hyperuricemia, and kidney stones.
Step-by-step explanation:
Xanthine oxidase inhibitors are medications that block the activity of the enzyme xanthine oxidase. Xanthine oxidase is responsible for the conversion of hypoxanthine to xanthine and xanthine to uric acid, a substance that can build up and cause gout.
Indications for xanthine oxidase inhibitors include:
- Gout: These medications are commonly used to prevent gout attacks by reducing the production of uric acid.
- Hyperuricemia: Xanthine oxidase inhibitors may be prescribed to lower high levels of uric acid in the blood.
- Kidney stones: By reducing uric acid levels, xanthine oxidase inhibitors can help prevent the formation of uric acid crystals, which can lead to kidney stones.