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Allopurinol tablets are a prescription treatment for gout and high uric acid levels, helping to prevent painful gout attacks and reduce the risk of kidney stones.
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Allopurinol tablets are a prescription medication used to lower uric acid levels in the blood. They are most commonly prescribed to prevent gout attacks, but are also used to reduce the risk of kidney stones and to manage uric acid build-up in people receiving chemotherapy. Allopurinol works by blocking xanthine oxidase, the enzyme responsible for producing uric acid, reducing its production in the body over time. It is a long-term, preventative treatment and should be taken every day as directed, even when you are not experiencing symptoms. Buy allopurinol tablets online from Access Doctor — UK registered pharmacy (GPhC No. 9011198) with prescription, automatic GP notification included, and discreet home delivery.
| Active ingredient | Allopurinol |
| Medicine type | Prescription only (POM) |
| Available strengths | 100 mg, 300 mg |
| How to take | Once daily, with water, after food |
| Treatment type | Long-term preventative |
| Consultation | Yes — free online |
| Delivery | Discreet home delivery |
Allopurinol works by inhibiting xanthine oxidase, the enzyme responsible for producing uric acid in the body. Uric acid is a natural waste product formed when the body breaks down purines — substances found in certain foods and in the body's cells. In most people, uric acid dissolves in the blood, passes through the kidneys, and is excreted in urine. However, if the body produces too much uric acid or the kidneys do not excrete enough, levels build up and uric acid crystals can form in and around joints, causing the painful inflammation known as gout.
By blocking xanthine oxidase, allopurinol reduces the amount of uric acid produced. Over time, this lowers uric acid levels in the blood, allows existing urate crystals to dissolve, and prevents new crystals from forming.
Allopurinol is not a painkiller and will not relieve an acute gout attack in progress. It is a long-term, preventative treatment that works gradually — it may take several months for uric acid levels to reach the target range and for attacks to become less frequent. It is important to take it every day, even when you feel well and are not having an attack.
Allopurinol is primarily used to prevent gout attacks by lowering uric acid levels in the blood. It is also used to reduce the risk of uric acid kidney stones and to manage raised uric acid levels in people receiving chemotherapy for certain cancers.
Allopurinol begins to lower uric acid levels within a few days of starting treatment. However, it usually takes several months — often three to six months or longer — for uric acid levels to stabilise in the target range and for gout attacks to become less frequent. It is important to keep taking it every day during this time, even if you experience a gout flare in the early weeks.
No. Allopurinol is a preventative medicine and will not relieve an acute gout attack that is already in progress. In fact, starting allopurinol during an acute flare can make the attack worse. Treatment should only be started once an acute attack has fully resolved. If you are experiencing a gout attack, speak to your prescriber about appropriate treatment such as NSAIDs, colchicine, or steroids.
Alcohol — particularly beer, spirits, and other drinks high in purines — can raise uric acid levels and trigger gout attacks. While allopurinol reduces uric acid production, regularly drinking alcohol can counteract its effects. It is advisable to limit alcohol consumption and stay well hydrated. Speak to your prescriber if you are unsure.
For most people with gout, allopurinol is a lifelong treatment. Stopping it allows uric acid levels to rise again, which leads to the return of gout attacks. Do not reduce or stop your treatment without medical advice. Regular blood tests to monitor uric acid levels are recommended during treatment.
Stop taking allopurinol immediately and contact your prescriber or seek medical attention. A skin rash can be a sign of a serious allergic reaction. In rare cases, allopurinol can cause severe skin conditions such as Stevens-Johnson Syndrome (SJS) or Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (TEN), which require urgent medical treatment. Do not restart allopurinol without explicit medical advice.
Allopurinol can interact with several medicines. It increases the effects of azathioprine and mercaptopurine (used in cancer and autoimmune conditions), which can be dangerous. It can also interact with warfarin, ciclosporin, some diuretics, and ACE inhibitors. Always tell your prescriber and pharmacist about all medicines, supplements, and herbal remedies you are taking before starting allopurinol.
Allopurinol is generally not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding. If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding, you must discuss this with your prescriber before starting or continuing treatment. They will weigh the potential risks and benefits and advise you on the safest course of action.
Allopurinol tablets should be taken once daily, after food. Swallow the tablet whole with a full glass of water. Taking it after food helps to reduce the chance of stomach upset.
Starting dose: Treatment is usually started at 100 mg once daily. Your prescriber will increase your dose gradually — this can be by 100 mg every week or every two to four weeks, depending on your uric acid levels and how well you tolerate the medicine — until your blood uric acid level reaches the target range (below 360 µmol/L). Most patients are maintained on 100–300 mg per day.
Always take allopurinol at the same time each day to help you remember. Continue taking it every day even when you are feeling well and are not having a gout attack.
If you miss a dose: Take it as soon as you remember. If it is nearly time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue as normal. Never take two doses at once to make up for a missed one.
Do not stop taking allopurinol without speaking to your prescriber first. Stopping suddenly can trigger a gout flare.
Drink plenty of fluids (at least 2 litres of water per day) while taking allopurinol to help prevent kidney stones.
Keep allopurinol tablets at room temperature (below 25°C), away from moisture and direct sunlight. Keep all medicines out of the sight and reach of children. Do not use after the expiry date printed on the packaging.
Always follow the instructions provided in the patient information leaflet included with your medication and any guidance from your prescriber or pharmacist.
Do not use allopurinol if you:
Are allergic to allopurinol or any of the other ingredients in the tablet. Are currently having an acute gout attack — do not start allopurinol until the attack has completely resolved (usually at least 1–2 weeks after symptoms have settled).
Skin reactions — stop immediately and seek urgent medical help:
If you develop any skin rash, blistering, peeling, or sores in your mouth, stop taking allopurinol immediately and contact your prescriber or seek urgent medical attention. These may be signs of serious skin conditions including Stevens-Johnson Syndrome (SJS) or Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (TEN), which are rare but potentially life-threatening. Do not restart allopurinol without medical advice.
Hypersensitivity syndrome:
A severe, potentially life-threatening reaction involving fever, rash, enlarged lymph nodes, and organ involvement has been reported. If you experience these symptoms, stop allopurinol immediately and seek urgent medical attention.
Gout flares on starting treatment:
It is common to experience an increase in gout attacks during the first few months of starting allopurinol. This is a normal part of the treatment process as uric acid crystals dissolve. Do not stop taking allopurinol — speak to your prescriber, who may recommend a short course of anti-inflammatory medicine (such as colchicine or low-dose NSAIDs) to manage flares during this period.
Liver problems:
Allopurinol can affect liver function. Seek medical attention if you develop yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice), dark urine, or persistent upper abdominal pain.
Kidney problems:
If you have impaired kidney function, your dose must be adjusted. Dehydration can increase the risk of kidney stones — ensure you drink at least 2 litres of fluid daily while taking allopurinol.
Drug interactions:
Allopurinol significantly increases the toxicity of azathioprine and mercaptopurine — the dose of these medicines must be reduced substantially if taken with allopurinol. It can also interact with warfarin, ciclosporin, ACE inhibitors, some antibiotics (particularly ampicillin and amoxicillin), and diuretics. Always inform your prescriber and pharmacist of all medicines you are taking.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding:
Allopurinol is not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Speak to your prescriber before starting or continuing treatment if you are pregnant, planning a pregnancy, or breastfeeding.
Driving and operating machinery:
Allopurinol can cause drowsiness and dizziness in some people. Do not drive or operate heavy machinery if you are affected.
Side effects:
Common (affecting up to 1 in 10 people): skin rash (stop treatment immediately if this occurs), nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, raised liver enzymes, and increased frequency of gout attacks on starting treatment.
Uncommon (affecting up to 1 in 100 people): headache, dizziness, drowsiness, taste disturbance, hair loss.
Rare but serious: Stevens-Johnson Syndrome, Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis, severe hypersensitivity reactions, liver failure, and kidney failure.
If you experience any side effects not listed above, or if any side effects become severe or persistent, contact your prescriber or seek medical attention. You can also report side effects directly to the MHRA via the Yellow Card scheme at yellowcard.mhra.gov.uk.
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