Understanding Gout and Allopurinol: A Doctor's Perspective

Question
I have been taking hydochlorthiazide for hypertension and have frequent gout attacks. I am not on coumadin or any other medicine that interacts unfavorably with allopurinol yet my doctor says "gout won't kill you..allopurinol could" I have no other medical diagnoses. What could be his reason?
Thank you.

Answer
Hi Emily,
Your doctor's view is debatable. For anyone with a gout attack, the episode can be debilitating. To allow these attacks to go untreated is, in my opinion, poor judgement on his part. Hydrochlorothiazide is the wrong drug to be taking for hypertension in someone with gout. It can bring on attacks. As for the side effects of these attacks, too many can set up gouty arthritis and kidney stones.
The bottom line here is to get another opinion regarding your condition. Were it me, I'd definitely make some changes.