Allopurinol

Allopurinol is a medication approved to prevent several medical conditions that are caused by high uric acid levels in the body. Specifically, this prescription medication can prevent gout, high uric acid levels caused by cancer treatment, and kidney stones in people who have high uric acid levels. Although most people tolerate allopurinol well, it is not suitable for everyone. Side effects may include rashes, diarrhea, and nausea.

 

What Is Allopurinol?

Allopurinol (Zyloprim®) is a prescription medication approved to prevent the following conditions:
 
  • Gout
  • High uric acid levels due to cancer treatment
  • Kidney stones in people with high uric acid levels.
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(Click What Is Allopurinol Used For? for more information on what the medication is used for, including possible off-label uses.)
 

Side Effects of Allopurinol

As with any medicine, side effects are possible. However, not everyone who takes the drug 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. Serious side effects are less common.
 
Some of the common side effects include, but are not limited to:
 
  • Diarrhea
  • Nausea
  • Gout attacks (especially at first)
  • Rashes.
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(Click Allopurinol Side Effects to learn more, including potentially serious side effects that you should report immediately to your healthcare provider.)
 

What Should I Tell My Healthcare Provider Before Taking Allopurinol?

You should talk with your healthcare provider prior to taking this medication if you have:
 
  • Liver disease, such as liver failure, cirrhosis, or hepatitis
  • Kidney disease, such as kidney failure (renal failure)
  • Any allergies, including allergies to foods, dyes, or preservatives.
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Also, let your healthcare provider know if you are:
 
Make sure to tell your healthcare provider about any other medicines you are taking, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
 
(Click Precautions and Warnings With Allopurinol to learn more, including information on who should not take the drug.)
 

Dosing Information

The dose of allopurinol that your healthcare provider recommends will vary, depending on a number of factors, including:
 
  • The medical condition being treated
  • The severity of your condition
  • How you respond to the medication
  • Other medications you are taking
  • Other medical conditions you may have.
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As is always the case, do not adjust your dose unless your healthcare provider specifically instructs you to do so.
 
(Click Allopurinol Dosage for more information.)
 

Drug Interactions

Allopurinol can potentially interact with a number of other medications (see Drug Interactions With Allopurinol).
 

What If I Take an Overdose?

It is not known what exactly to expect from an overdose. If you happen to overdose on allopurinol, seek immediate medical attention.
 
(Click Allopurinol Overdose for more information.)
 

What Should I Do If I Miss a Dose?

If you do not take your allopurinol as scheduled, take your missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule. Do not take a double dose of the medication.
 

How Does It Work?

Allopurinol works by lowering uric acid levels. This helps to treat gout, as this condition occurs when the levels of uric acid become so high that crystals form inside the joint. The medication lowers uric acid levels by inhibiting xanthine oxidase, an enzyme responsible for producing uric acid in the body. By inhibiting xanthine oxidase, allopurinol slows down the rate at which the body produces uric acid.
 
Allopurinol works well for preventing gout attacks, but it is not very effective for treating a gout attack that is already occurring. In fact, sometimes it temporarily seems to make gout worse at first. For these reasons, allopurinol is usually taken along with other gout medications, at least temporarily.
 

When and How to Take Allopurinol

Some general considerations include the following:
 
  • Allopurinol comes in tablet form. It is usually taken one or more times per day, depending on the dose.
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  • It is usually best to take allopurinol just after a meal, as this may decrease stomach upset.
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  • For the medication to work properly, it must be taken as prescribed. Allopurinol will not continue to work if you stop taking it.
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Generic Availability

Currently, allopurinol is available in generic form.
 
(Click Generic Zyloprim for more information.)
 

Who Makes Allopurinol?

Brand-name allopurinol is sold under the name Zyloprim, and is made by DSM Pharmaceuticals, Inc., and marketed by Prometheus Laboratories, Inc. Generic allopurinol is manufactured by several companies.
 

Strengths

Allopurinol tablets come in the following strengths:
 
  • Allopurinol 100 mg
  • Allopurinol 300 mg.
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;