Drug that can cause hyperuricemia is :
**Core Concept**
The question is testing the student's knowledge of drugs that can cause hyperuricemia, a condition characterized by elevated levels of uric acid in the blood. This is a side effect of certain medications that interfere with uric acid metabolism or increase its production.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
The correct answer is a drug that inhibits the enzyme xanthine oxidase, which is responsible for converting hypoxanthine to xanthine and then to uric acid. By inhibiting this enzyme, the drug reduces uric acid production, but paradoxically, it can also cause a transient increase in uric acid levels, especially in patients with pre-existing hyperuricemia. This is because the reduction in uric acid production leads to a temporary increase in its concentration in the blood.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
**Option A:** This is an incorrect option. It does not directly relate to the mechanism of uric acid production or metabolism.
**Option B:** This is an incorrect option. It is a drug that actually reduces uric acid levels by increasing its excretion, not causing hyperuricemia.
**Option C:** This is an incorrect option. It is a drug that actually reduces uric acid levels by decreasing its production, not causing hyperuricemia.
**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
It is essential to remember that certain medications can cause hyperuricemia as a side effect, especially in patients with pre-existing gout or kidney disease. This is because the reduction in uric acid production can lead to a temporary increase in its concentration in the blood, exacerbating existing conditions.
**Correct Answer: C. Allopurinol**