Which medication can be used to neutralize uric acid in patients with gout?

Allopurinol is the correct choice for neutralizing uric acid in patients with gout because it functions as a xanthine oxidase inhibitor. This means it reduces the production of uric acid in the body by blocking the enzyme responsible for converting hypoxanthine and xanthine into uric acid. By lowering uric acid levels, allopurinol can help prevent gout attacks and manage chronic gout by reducing the risk of uric acid crystallization in the joints.

Other medications listed, such as ibuprofen and diclofenac, are nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and primarily provide pain relief and reduce inflammation during acute gout attacks but do not address the underlying issue of elevated uric acid levels. Acetaminophen also serves as a pain reliever but lacks anti-inflammatory properties and has no effect on uric acid levels. Therefore, while these other options might help manage symptoms or discomfort during a gout attack, they do not neutralize uric acid or prevent future attacks like allopurinol does.