[Margaret Pilkington]

Diclofenac is a good pain relieving medication. it is one of the Non steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, often noted NSAID's. These do not suit everyone, and are known to cause gastric irritation for some people.
If these are required it is best to get them from the GP......as the normal dose for this medication is 50 mg Three times daily.

Gout is caused by a build up of Uric acid....Allopurinol stops the production of uric acid,then it cannot be deposited in the joints in crystalline form...which is what causes the pain and swelling.

These treatments are best monitored by a GP, and I think the pharmacist would recommend a GP consultation before giving any medications.
Pharmacists are required by law to enquire into why the medication is being bought over the counter.