Other Brands/Names

Algut, Alluric, Alodan, Alofar, Anuric, Decasurik, Erlapur, Favolar, Goutika, Goutric, Hymoric, Kolton, Licoric, Linogra, Lopuric, Loric, Mediuric, Mediuric Forte, Merzaluric, Nilapur, Ponuric, Pritanol, Puresco, Purinic, Reucid, Rinolic, Selespurin, Sinoric, Urica, Uricnol, Villurol, Xanturic, Zyloric.

How It Works

Allopurinol is a medicine commonly used to manage high uric acid levels (hyperuricemia). It works by inhibiting the enzyme xanthine oxidase, which is involved in uric acid formation in the body. Blocking this enzyme reduces uric acid production, thereby helping maintain appropriate uric acid levels.

Indications

This medicine is used for medical conditions with excessive uric acid in the blood (hyperuricemia), such as:

• Recurrent calcium oxalate stones in the urinary tract

• Gouty arthritis (joint inflammation due to uric acid buildup)

• Increased uric acid levels related to cancer treatment or diet

• Enzyme disorders that lead to increased uric acid production

Contraindication

Allopurinol should not be used in people with a history of hypersensitivity or allergy to allopurinol. In addition, individuals with the HLA-B*58:01 allele may have an increased risk of severe reactions to allopurinol, so this medicine is not recommended for patients who test positive for this allele.

Side Effects

Side effects are generally uncommon. However, some may occur, including blood disorders such as:

• Leukopenia (decreased white blood cell count)

• Thrombocytopenia (decreased platelet count)

• Gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or abdominal pain

• Fever

• Itching

• Skin rashes and spots

• Life-threatening diseases such as Stevens–Johnson syndrome (a severe allergic reaction characterized by serious skin disease)

Types

Common allopurinol products currently available include:

• 100 mg caplets

• 100 mg tablets

• 300 mg tablets

Dosage

Purpose: To treat hyperuricemia and gout

Adults:

• 100 mg once daily as the starting dose, then increase by 100 mg every 2–4 weeks up to a maximum of 900 mg per day.

Child under 15 years old:

• 10–20 mg/kg body weight (maximum daily dose 400 mg).

Purpose: To treat recurrent calcium oxalate stones

Adults: 200–300 mg once daily as a single dose or in divided doses.

Safety

Pregnancy:

This medicine is FDA Category C (animal studies have shown adverse fetal effects, and adequate, well-controlled studies in humans are lacking). Therefore, the potential benefits and risks must be considered carefully, and caution is advised in pregnant women.

Drug Interactions

ACE-inhibitor antihypertensives (captopril)

Using allopurinol together with captopril may increase the risk of allopurinol side effects. Further consultation is required if concomitant use is necessary.

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