Hi & Welcome. Allopurinol is prescribed to treat chronic gout. Based on the history you seem to have recurrent arthritis apparently caused by high uric acid (gouty arthritis). Gout is an inflammatory disease that occurs when excess uric acid circulating in the bloodstream is deposited as sodium urate crystals in certain joints. Allopurinol reduces the production of uric acid. It is often prescribed at a low daily dose at first, with the dose gradually increasing over time. If taken during an attack of gouty arthritis, it reduces the uric acid levels but the crystals in your joints may shift, triggering another attack, hence Allopurinol is not prescribed during an acute attack. It is usually prescribed once the acute attack is controlled by medications such as non steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or Cochicine and Corticosteroids like Prednisone. Febuxostat or Pegloticase are the alternate effective and safer medications to lower the high uric acid levels if you are not able to tolerate the side effects of Allopurinol. Along with medications you need to have certain lifestyle changes to prevent the recurrent attacks like: 1. Avoid taking purine rich foods (which can trigger gout attacks) such as red meat and organ meals, broths, sea foods like shrimps, alcohol or alcohol containing beverages, beans, pulses, etc. 2. Drink plenty of fluids (no alcohol or sweet sodas) 3. Physical Activity and Weight Management; losing weight not only helps reduce the uric acid in the blood, it can also lessen the risk of heart disease or stroke, both common in people who have gout. Hope I could answer your queries. Take care. A feed back is appreciated.