Allopurinol: Uses, How It Works, Medicines
Allopurinol is a prescription medicine that lowers uric acid in the blood. It is used to prevent gout attacks and some kidney stones. It belongs to the xanthine oxidase inhibitors. A skin rash while taking it needs urgent medical advice, and it should only be started or stopped on a doctor's advice.
Also known as: Allopurinol tablet, Allopurinol 100 mg, Allopurinol 300 mg, Zyloric, Zyloprim
Pharmacist review in progress. This page is based on the sources listed below and is being checked by our registered pharmacist.
How does Allopurinol work?
Allopurinol blocks an enzyme called xanthine oxidase, which the body needs to make uric acid. With less uric acid made, the level in the blood falls and crystals in the joints can slowly dissolve.
How to take Allopurinol
Follow the label or your doctor's advice. Allopurinol is usually taken every day, best after food, with plenty of fluids. Your doctor decides the dose and how long you need it.
Side effects of Allopurinol
Most people take allopurinol without serious problems. Some side effects are mild, but a few need medical help.
Uncommon or mild
- Skin rash (stop and contact your doctor straight away)
- Feeling sick or vomiting
- Diarrhoea
- More gout attacks in the first months
Rare but serious: get medical help
- A skin rash, especially with blisters, peeling, mouth sores or fever (a possible severe reaction). Stop the medicine and get medical help immediately
- Swelling of the face, lips or throat, or difficulty breathing. Get medical help immediately
- Fever, sore throat or unusual bruising
- Yellow skin or eyes, or dark urine
- Severe headache, stiff neck and sensitivity to light
Who should be careful
Some people need to check with a doctor before taking allopurinol, or need extra care while taking it.
When the label says not to use it
- Allergy to allopurinol or any ingredient of the tablet
- A past serious skin reaction to allopurinol
- Any skin rash: stop and contact a doctor straight away; severe reactions are more likely in people of some ancestries, including Indian origin
- Kidney or liver disease: the dose may need to be changed
- Thyroid problems
- Pregnancy: not usually used; tell your doctor if you are pregnant or planning a baby
- Breastfeeding: ask your doctor
- Drink plenty of fluids
Medicines and things that interact with Allopurinol
Tell your doctor or pharmacist about everything you take, including herbal remedies and medicines bought over the counter.
- Warfarin and other blood thinners: their effect may change
- Azathioprine and mercaptopurine: their levels can rise, so doses may need changing
- Theophylline, ACE inhibitors, water tablets and aspirin: may interact
- Amoxicillin and similar antibiotics: a rash may be more likely
If someone takes too much
A little extra is unlikely to cause problems, but speak to a pharmacist or doctor as soon as possible if you take more than prescribed. If you cannot reach one, call 112 or go to the nearest hospital and take the pack with you.
Regulatory status in India
Approved for sale in India as a prescription medicine. Single-ingredient allopurinol is not known to be on the CDSCO list of medicines banned under section 26A of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act. Fixed-dose combinations that contain allopurinol with other medicines may be treated differently, so check the ingredient list on the pack.
Type of medicine
Allopurinol belongs to this type of medicine.
Medicines that contain Allopurinol
These medicines sold in India contain Allopurinol. They are listed A to Z, not ranked.
- Zyloric 100 · 100 mg tablet
What is Allopurinol used for?
Medicines that contain Allopurinol are used for these conditions.
Other medicines of the same type
These active ingredients are of the same type as Allopurinol.
Common questions
What is allopurinol used for?
It is used to prevent gout attacks by lowering uric acid, and in some people to prevent kidney stones. It does not treat the pain of an attack. A doctor decides whether it suits you.
What should I do if I get a rash on allopurinol?
Stop the tablet and contact a doctor straight away. A rash can be an early sign of a severe skin reaction, especially with blisters, peeling, mouth sores or fever. Get urgent medical help if these appear.
Why did my gout get worse after starting allopurinol?
Attacks can become more frequent in the first weeks or months while uric acid levels change. Do not stop on your own. Tell your doctor, who may add medicine to prevent attacks.
Can I stop allopurinol when the pain is gone?
Do not stop on your own. Allopurinol prevents attacks only while it is taken, and gout can come back. Talk to your doctor before any change.
Is Zyloric the same as allopurinol?
Zyloric is a brand name. The tablet contains allopurinol. Check the ingredient list and strength on the pack, and ask your doctor before switching products.
Sources
- Allopurinol: a medicine to prevent gout and kidney stones. NHS (UK)
- Gout. NHS (UK)
- ATC/DDD Index: M04AA Preparations inhibiting uric acid production. WHO Collaborating Centre for Drug Statistics Methodology