Allopurinol Side Effects

Common side effects of allopurinol may include diarrhea, nausea, and gout attacks. In most cases, side effects reported with the drug are minor and either require no treatment or are easily treated. However, there are also a number of potentially serious allopurinol side effects that may occur. Notify your healthcare provider if you develop any serious problems, such as painful urination, blood in the urine, or a skin rash.

An Introduction to Side Effects of Allopurinol

As with any medicine, allopurinol (Zyloprim®) can cause side effects. However, not everyone who takes the medication will experience side effects. In fact, most people tolerate it quite well. If side effects do occur, in most cases, they are minor and either require no treatment or are easily treated by you or your healthcare provider.
 
(This article covers many, but not all, of the possible side effects with allopurinol. Your healthcare provider can discuss a more complete list of allopurinol side effects with you.)
 

Side Effects of Allopurinol to Report

There are a number of possible side effects with allopurinol that you should report to your healthcare provider.
 These include, but are not limited to:
 
  • A skin rash
  • Easy bruising or bleeding
  • Frequent or persistent infections
  • Signs of liver problems, such as weight loss, appetite loss, itching, and increased liver enzymes
  • Painful urination
  • Blood in the urine
  • Irritation of the eyes
  • Signs of an allergic reaction, including itching, unexplained swelling of the lips or mouth, wheezing, or difficulty breathing or swallowing.
     
Allopurinol Side Effects Article Continues on Next Page >
Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD
 
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