Key facts about Allopurinol
What dosages is Allopurinol available in?
Allopurinol is available as a 100 mg, 200 mg, and 300 mg oral tablet.
What is Allopurinol used for?
Allopurinol is a xanthine oxidase inhibitor that is used to treat:
- Gout
- High uric acid in cancer
- Recurrent kidney stones (kidney stones that keep coming back)
How does Allopurinol work?
Allopurinol stops an enzyme called xanthine oxidase from making uric acid; this then lowers the uric acid levels in your body. Keeping uric acid levels low can prevent gout attacks and kidney stones.
How do I take Allopurinol?
The daily dose of Allopurinol will depend on your body’s levels of uric acid. The dose can be taken once a day or in divided doses throughout the day. The maximum daily dose is 800 mg. The typical starting dose for each indication is:
- Gout: 100 mg daily
- High uric acid in cancer: 600-800 mg daily for 2 or 3 days with lots of fluids
- Recurrent kidney stones: 200-300 mg daily
Is it safe for me to take Allopurinol?
Allopurinol is a safe and effective treatment when used for FDA licensed indications. However, like all medications, they may give you unwanted side effects. You should always discuss potential side effects with your physician to ensure the medication is suitable and right for you.
Allopurinol Common Side Effects
Common side effects of Allopurinol:
- More gout attacks
- Rash
- Headache
- Muscle and joint pain
- Nerve pain
- Change or loss in taste
- Change in blood work
Allopurinol Serious Side Effects
Serious side effects are rare with Allopurinol.
Effects of other drugs, drug classes and over-the-counter products on Allopurinol
The following medications may interact with Allopurinol:
- Several drug interactions exist with Allopurinol. The most important drug interaction is with azathioprine and 6-mercaptopurine, both metabolized by the enzyme xanthine oxidase. Using any xanthine oxidase inhibitor such as Allopurinol in a patient on azathioprine or 6-mercaptopurine can cause severe agranulocytosis and pancytopenia.
Who makes Allopurinol?
Various FDA-approved generic manufacturers
Is Allopurinol safe in pregnancy?
It is not known if Allopurinol will harm your unborn baby. You and your doctor will have to decide if you should take Allopurinol while you are pregnant or if you plan to become pregnant.
