Allopurinol is a common medicine used to lower uric acid. People take it to prevent gout attacks and to stop uric acid build-up in conditions like kidney stones or during cancer treatments that raise uric acid levels. It doesn’t quickly stop pain during a gout attack, but it reduces future attacks when used long term.
Allopurinol blocks an enzyme called xanthine oxidase, which reduces uric acid production. Doctors prescribe it for chronic gout, recurrent kidney stones made of uric acid, and to prevent tumor-lysis related rises in uric acid. Typical goals are keeping serum uric acid below 6 mg/dL for most patients, but your doctor will set the exact target.
Typical starting doses are 100 mg a day, sometimes 50 mg for people with kidney problems, and many patients increase to 200–300 mg daily. Your doctor may raise the dose slowly until uric acid is controlled. In severe cases doses can go higher, but doctors monitor kidney function and side effects closely. If you already have a gout flare, you may still start allopurinol, but doctors often give short-term anti-inflammatory cover like colchicine or an NSAID to prevent flare-ups when therapy begins.
Watch for the main side effects: rash, upset stomach, and liver enzyme changes. A rare but serious reaction is allopurinol hypersensitivity syndrome, which causes fever, severe rash, liver or kidney problems. Certain ethnic groups have higher risk (HLA-B*5801 positive), so testing may be advised for people of Southeast Asian or Korean descent with kidney disease. Stop the drug and seek urgent care for severe rash, blistering, or unexplained fever.
Allopurinol interacts with azathioprine and mercaptopurine, increasing their effects and risk of toxicity. It can also affect dosing of warfarin and some blood pressure drugs. Tell your doctor about all medicines, supplements, and herbal products you take so they can check for interactions.
Regular monitoring makes treatment safer. Expect blood tests for serum uric acid, kidney function, and liver enzymes at baseline and during dose changes. If you notice unusual tiredness, yellowing skin, or less urine, contact your provider right away.
If buying allopurinol online, use a reputable pharmacy that asks for a prescription. Avoid sites with no pharmacist contact or prices that seem unrealistically low. Always verify the medication label, expiration date, and packaging, and keep follow-up appointments with your healthcare team.
Simple lifestyle steps help. Drink plenty of water to lower uric acid, limit alcohol—beer raises risk—and cut down on high-purine foods like organ meats and some seafood. Losing weight slowly reduces gout attacks. If you’re pregnant or breastfeeding, tell your doctor before starting allopurinol; they’ll discuss alternatives and timing. Keep a copy of your treatment plan handy for all providers. Always.
Allopurinol works well for many people when used correctly. Talk openly with your doctor about risks, tests, and how you’ll monitor progress so you get the benefits while staying safe.
As a gout sufferer, I've been researching different ways to manage the condition, and I came across Allopurinol. This medication is quite effective in reducing uric acid levels, which is the main cause of gout and hyperuricemia. It works by inhibiting an enzyme called xanthine oxidase, responsible for the production of uric acid in our bodies. By taking Allopurinol, I've noticed a significant improvement in my gout symptoms, and my flare-ups have become less frequent. I believe this medicine is a game-changer for people like me who struggle with gout and high uric acid levels.