What condition is Allopurinol primarily used to treat?

Allopurinol is primarily used to treat gout, which is a form of arthritis characterized by the accumulation of uric acid crystals in the joints, leading to inflammation and pain. The medication works by inhibiting the enzyme xanthine oxidase, which plays a crucial role in the production of uric acid. By reducing the levels of uric acid in the body, allopurinol helps alleviate the symptoms of gout and prevents future flares.

In contrast, hypertension is treated with antihypertensive medications, kidney stones may require treatment options that involve managing pain or breaking up stones, and type II diabetes is managed with medications that help regulate blood sugar levels. Each of those conditions has specific treatments that do not involve allopurinol, highlighting its specific role in managing gout.