Allopurinol

GP and surgeon, Dr Shane Charles (MBBS, MRCS, PgDip SEM) provides a simple explanation of the medication below:

'Allopurinol is a medication used to prevent or treat high uric acid levels in the body and in used in managing and preventing gout attacks. '.

If you think Allopurinol is a treatment that can help you, start an online consultation now for a registered prescriber to review. If treatment is deemed suitable, they can prescribe it, and we can deliver it to you from the comfort of your own home with a range of convenient delivery and payment options for you to choose from. If you have any questions about a medication, you should always consult your doctor with any questions prior to starting treatment, to ensure that it is safe and suitable for you.

How do I buy Allopurinol online?

You can safely purchase Allopurinol online from UK Meds. To ensure this medication is suitable for your condition, you’ll need to complete an online consultation with a registered independent prescriber before your order can be approved and supplied.

Can I get Allopurinol on subscription?

Yes, you can get Allopurinol on a subscription with UK Meds. A subscription ensures you receive your medication on time, every time, while also saving money. It’s a convenient and cost-effective option!

What is Allopurinol?

Allopurinol is a prescription medication used to reduce high levels of uric acid in the blood. Elevated uric acid can cause sharp crystals to form around the joints, leading to gout, a condition characterised by severe pain, swelling, and redness in the joints. This medication is commonly prescribed to prevent gout flare-ups and other complications related to excess uric acid, such as kidney stones.

Allopurinol is also known by brand names like Zyloric and Uricto.

How does Allopurinol work?

Allopurinol works by reducing the production of uric acid in the body, helping to maintain healthier levels in the blood. This prevents the formation of uric acid crystals, thereby reducing the risk of gout attacks and other related issues. It is available in 100mg and 300mg tablets and can only be obtained with a prescription.

For more information on the prescription medication patients should refer to the Allopurinol patient information leaflet.

How do I take Allopurinol?

To take Allopurinol safely and effectively:

• Swallow the tablets whole with water, preferably after food to reduce stomach upset.
• Allopurinol is usually taken once daily, but if prescribed a higher dose, your doctor may recommend splitting it into two doses a day.
• If instructed, aim to drink 2 to 3 litres of fluids daily to help prevent the formation of kidney stones and support your body's elimination of uric acid.
• Take Allopurinol at the same time each day to make it easier to remember and maintain consistent levels of the medicine in your system.

Always follow your doctor’s or healthcare provider’s instructions to tailor the medication to your individual needs.

Video: How to take Allopurinol

In the below video Dr O'Donovan (UK GMC number: 7436647) explains how a patient would typically take Allopurinol tablets to treat gout:

Please be aware that the video above is only for educational purposes and is not intended for use as a substitute for seeking professional medical advice from your own doctor or trusted healthcare professional.

Allopurinol Reviews

Read first hand what other UK Meds customers think about Allopurinol and it's impact on patients lives on our customer reviews above. For further context there are also a large selection of Allopurinol reviews describing what people think about their experiences with the medication available at Drugs.com and Web MD.

It is important to note that people may have different experiences when they use Allopurinol. If someone states that their medication did not work as they had hoped, it does not mean that it will not work for you. If you believe that it is the right medication for you then the best thing to do is to consult your doctor or healthcare professional, and judge the medication based on your own experiences if they recommend it as a treatment. Before starting a medication you should always consult with your healthcare provider first to ensure that it is safe and suitable for your individual needs.

What to avoid when taking allopurinol?

When taking Allopurinol, avoid combining it with certain medications without medical advice. These include:

• Antibiotics
• Aspirin
• Immunosuppressants
• Diuretics (e.g., furosemide)
• ACE inhibitors (e.g., enalapril or ramipril)

Your doctor will advise on the safest course of treatment tailored to your health condition. Always consult your healthcare provider before starting or combining medications.

Does Allopurinol shorten your life?

No, Allopurinol is considered a very safe long-term treatment. It is unlikely to cause any long-term side effects when used as directed by a healthcare professional. (NHS, 2023)

Why does allopurinol worsen acute gout?

Allopurinol can sometimes trigger acute gout attacks when starting treatment. This occurs because shrinking urate crystals in the blood may temporarily dislodge into joints, causing inflammation and pain. However:

• It is crucial to continue taking Allopurinol during a gout flare unless advised otherwise by your doctor.
• Your healthcare provider can prescribe additional medications to manage flare-ups. (Versus Arthritis, 2024)

Always consult your doctor before beginning treatment.

Can you take colchicine with allopurinol?

Yes, colchicine can be safely taken with Allopurinol to prevent gout flare-ups during urate-lowering treatment. (NICE, 2023)
Your doctor will determine the best combination of treatments for your condition. Always seek medical advice before starting or combining medications.

• NHS - Allopurinol
• Drugs.com - Allopurinol
• Versus Arthritis - Allopurinol
• WebMD - Allopurinol Oral
• BNF - Allopurinol
• Mayo Clinic - Allopurinol Oral Route
• GOSH NHS - Allopurinol

• What Are the Most Common Symptoms of Gout? - Learn about the common signs of gout and how to spot it early.
• Which Parts of the Body Could Be Affected by Gout? - Find out which areas of the body are most likely to experience gout symptoms.
• Is Hyperuricemia Associated with Gout? - Understand the link between high uric acid levels and gout.
• What Are the Most Effective Ways to Achieve Immediate Gout Pain Relief? - Discover quick ways to relieve pain during a gout flare-up.
• 10-Minute Gout Cure - Learn how to manage your gout symptoms quickly in just 10 minutes.
• What Foods Cause Gout? - Find out which foods are known to trigger gout attacks and how to avoid them.