Allopurinol is a common drug used to lower uric acid. Doctors prescribe it mainly for gout and for people who make too much uric acid for other reasons. It doesn’t stop a gout attack once it starts, but it reduces how often attacks happen and can prevent long-term joint damage if you need long-term control.
Allopurinol blocks an enzyme called xanthine oxidase, so your body makes less uric acid. Adults often start at 100 mg a day. If kidney function is normal, your doctor may increase the dose every few weeks toward 300 mg daily, or higher in some cases. People with reduced kidney function usually start lower and increase slowly. Some patients need 400–800 mg daily to reach the target uric acid level, but dose adjustments should be guided by blood tests and your doctor.
Important: starting allopurinol can trigger a gout flare in the first weeks. That’s normal. Doctors often prescribe a short course of colchicine or an NSAID when you begin allopurinol to lower that risk. Don’t stop the drug during a flare unless your doctor tells you to.
Common side effects include mild rash, stomach upset, and changes in liver tests. A rare but serious reaction is a severe skin reaction (fever, widespread rash, blistering). If you notice a rash, stop the drug and call your doctor right away.
Allopurinol interacts with several medicines. It can increase toxicity with azathioprine or mercaptopurine — those combinations need dose changes or close monitoring. It may also interact with some chemotherapy drugs and with certain antivirals. Tell your doctor about all medicines you take, including supplements and herbal products.
Check kidney and liver function before starting and while on treatment. Your doctor will track uric acid levels to know if the dose is enough. Drink enough water while taking allopurinol and avoid heavy alcohol, especially beer, which raises uric acid. Reducing high-purine foods (like organ meats and some seafood) can help but won’t replace the need for medication when uric acid is high.
Thinking of buying allopurinol online? Only use pharmacies that require a prescription and show clear licensing. Watch out for prices that look too good to be true or sites that skip prescriptions — those are red flags.
Quick checklist: start low and go slow, expect possible flares early on, monitor blood tests, watch for rash, and review all other meds with your doctor. If you follow these simple steps, allopurinol can be an effective long-term tool for controlling uric acid and reducing gout attacks.
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