What it is used for
- Preventing gout attacks in the long term
- Preventing uric acid kidney stones and some calcium stones
- Preventing high uric acid during treatment for some cancers
How it is used
- Swallow tablets with water after food, only as your doctor prescribed; your doctor decides the dose and may increase it slowly
- Drink plenty of water every day
- Keep taking it even during a gout attack if you are already on it, unless your doctor says otherwise
Possible side effects
- Skin rash; stop it and see your doctor at once
- Gout attacks in the first weeks of treatment
- Nausea or diarrhoea
- Changes in liver tests
Who should not use it
- Allergy to, or a previous rash from, allopurinol
Before and while using it
- Rarely, serious skin reactions occur; stop it and get help at once for a rash, blisters, mouth sores or fever
- The risk is higher with kidney disease and in some people of Asian descent; your doctor may order a genetic test
- It is not usually started during an acute gout attack, and your doctor may add another medicine to prevent attacks early in treatment
- Tell your doctor if you have kidney or liver disease
- It may cause drowsiness or dizziness; do not drive if affected
Medicine interactions
- Azathioprine and mercaptopurine: it raises their levels dangerously
- It may increase the effect of warfarin
- Amoxicillin and ampicillin with it make a skin rash more likely
- Tell your doctor about all your medicines, including water tablets
Pregnancy and breastfeeding
- It is used in pregnancy only if your doctor decides; tell your doctor if you are pregnant
- It passes into breast milk; ask your doctor before breastfeeding
How to store it
- Store at room temperature away from heat and moisture, out of the sight and reach of children.
Get medical help straight away if
- Your face, lips or tongue swell, or you find it hard to breathe.
- You get a severe rash, blistering or peeling skin.
- A side effect worries you or doesn’t go away: contact your doctor or pharmacist.
Questions about this medicine?
Talk to a doctor by video, or send your question by text.
Source: Standard international medicine references
This guide is general information and doesn’t replace advice from your doctor or pharmacist. Don’t start, stop or change a medicine without asking them, and always read the leaflet in the pack.