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Allopurinol: uses, side effects & brands
Allopurinol lowers uric acid to prevent gout attacks long-term. It belongs to the Gout medicine group. These lower uric acid to prevent gout, or calm an acute gout attack.
Drug type — dosing is set by your doctor
| Measure | Range |
|---|---|
| Drug class | Gout medicine |
| Type | Prescription |
| Dose | Individual — ask your doctor or pharmacist |
What it is used for
- Preventing gout attacks long term
- Gout with tophi (uric acid lumps) or kidney stones
- Preventing high uric acid during some cancer treatments
Common brand names
- India: Zyloric, Ciploric, Zyrik
- Worldwide: Zyloprim, Aloprim
Common side effects
- Gout flares in the first months of treatment
- Skin rash
- Nausea or diarrhoea
- Abnormal liver tests
Before taking it — precautions
- Kidney disease — your doctor will start low and adjust
- Never combine with azathioprine or mercaptopurine without your doctor adjusting doses — dangerous interaction
- Some people carry a gene (HLA-B*5801) that raises the risk of severe skin reactions; your doctor may test first
When to see a doctor urgently
- Any new rash — stop and see a doctor promptly (urgent)
- Fever, swollen glands, blistering or peeling skin (urgent)
- Yellow skin or eyes
Not a prescription — no dose shown. The right dose of allopurinol depends on age, weight, kidney/liver function and the condition, so MedDroid does not show a dose here. Always get your dose from a doctor or pharmacist and the leaflet inside the pack. General educational information only.
Frequently asked questions
Why did my gout flare after starting allopurinol?
Lowering uric acid can trigger flares at first. Your doctor may add colchicine or a pain reliever for the early months.
Should I stop it during a gout attack?
No — if you are already taking it, keep going and treat the attack separately.
Is it lifelong?
Usually yes — stopping lets uric acid rise again and attacks return.
Explore more
Sources & further reading
- World Health Organization (WHO)
- MedlinePlus — U.S. National Library of Medicine
- Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, India
- Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR)
Reviewed by Dr. Sanjay Anbu, MBBS. MedDroid is an AI medical assistant and can make mistakes. It provides general health information, not a diagnosis or medical advice — always consult a qualified clinician. In an emergency, contact your local emergency number immediately.