What is Allopurinol?
Allopurinol is a treatment for gout and kidney stones. It comes as a daily tablet and might be used with short-term medications like NSAIDs or colchicine when starting treatment, to help with symptoms.
Gout is a form of arthritis caused by a buildup of uric acid in the body. This build up can cause small sodium urate crystals to form and cluster in and around the spaces between your joints, causing them to become painful and inflamed. If untreated, this can lead to long-term joint damage.
How does Allopurinol work?
Allopurinol works by blocking an enzyme called xanthine oxidase, which helps your body produce uric acid. By blocking it, allopurinol lowers the amount of uric acid in your blood.[1]
Lower uric acid levels mean fewer crystals in your joints, which helps prevent gout flares. Kidney stones can also be caused by a buildup of uric acid, so it helps to stop this, too.
Will I get side effects using Allopurinol?
You might get side effects from Allopurinol. Common ones include nausea, diarrhea, or changes in liver function tests.[2]
A rare but serious risk is a skin rash or allergic reaction. If you notice a rash or flu-like symptoms, stop taking the medication and get medical advice immediately.
What doses of Allopurinol are there?
There are two doses of Allopurinol available: 100mg and 300mg.
For mild symptoms, the usual dose is 100-300mg daily. This can be increased to a maximum dose of 800mg in severe cases.
A physician will recommend the most suitable dose based on your medical history and symptoms.
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