Allopurinol
Allopurinol lowers uric acid in the blood. In the UK it is commonly prescribed long term to help prevent gout attacks and joint damage when your prescriber judges it appropriate, sometimes after blood tests confirm high uric acid.
This medicine is part of the Blood pressure, cholesterol & related category.
Generic name: allopurinol
Quick answers
Short replies to searches people often run before speaking to a clinician. For the overview of what the medicine is used for, see the short summary under the page title above.
What is it for?
Allopurinol lowers uric acid in the blood.
How long does it take to work?
Onset varies by condition and dose. Your GP or pharmacist can explain what to expect and when to review.
What are common side effects?
Rash, digestive upset, headache, or drowsiness can occur.
Can you take paracetamol or ibuprofen with it?
Ask your GP or pharmacist before taking Allopurinol with paracetamol or ibuprofen. Many adults use paracetamol for short periods when appropriate; NSAIDs such as ibuprofen need extra checks with your other medicines and health conditions.
More about what Allopurinol is used for
Allopurinol lowers uric acid in the blood. In the UK it is commonly prescribed long term to help prevent gout attacks and joint damage when your prescriber judges it appropriate, sometimes after blood tests confirm high uric acid.
It is not usually started during a sudden gout flare without a plan — your GP or rheumatologist may time the first doses with other treatment.
How does Allopurinol work, and how long does it take to work?
It blocks an enzyme involved in making uric acid, so levels fall over weeks. Benefit builds gradually; early treatment may temporarily trigger flares in some people, which your team may manage with other medicines short term.
Dose is often increased slowly to improve tolerance and monitor for reactions.
How and when should you take Allopurinol?
Take as your label directs — often once daily after food with water. Drink enough fluids unless your doctor advises fluid restriction.
Do not change dose yourself if a flare occurs; contact your GP for advice.
What are the common side effects of Allopurinol?
Rash, digestive upset, headache, or drowsiness can occur. Many people tolerate allopurinol well once on a stable dose.
Tell your GP promptly about any new skin rash — rare severe skin reactions need urgent assessment.
Serious side effects of Allopurinol — when to get urgent help
Seek urgent help for widespread rash, mouth ulcers, fever, facial swelling, or yellowing of eyes or skin.
Stop the medicine and seek same-day advice if a severe allergic reaction is suspected — your prescriber will guide restarting if safe.
What if you miss a dose of Allopurinol?
If you miss a dose, take it when you remember unless your next dose is due soon. Do not double up.
Who should not take Allopurinol?
Not used in some acute attacks without medical plan; certain kidney problems, pregnancy, and past severe reactions to allopurinol need individual assessment.
Always list all medicines — azathioprine and mercaptopurine interact importantly.
Can you take paracetamol or ibuprofen with Allopurinol? — other interactions
Warfarin, theophylline, and some chemotherapy drugs need review. Your GP or pharmacist checks combinations.
Allopurinol in pregnancy and breastfeeding
Discuss with your prescriber before use in pregnancy or breastfeeding.
Blood tests and monitoring on Allopurinol
Uric acid and kidney function may be checked when starting and after dose changes.
What might your GP prescribe instead of Allopurinol?
Febuxostat or other approaches may be considered if allopurinol is not suitable — specialist input is common for complex gout.
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Reviewed by UK registered pharmacists for accuracy and clarity. Content is informational only.
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Frequently asked questions about Allopurinol
People also ask — common Google searches
- What is Allopurinol used for?
- Allopurinol lowers uric acid in the blood. In the UK it is commonly prescribed long term to help prevent gout attacks and joint damage when your prescriber judges it appropriate, sometimes after blood tests confirm high uric acid.
- How long does allopurinol take to work?
- Uric acid falls over several weeks; attack frequency usually reduces over months. Your prescriber may adjust the dose with blood tests.
- Can you take Allopurinol with paracetamol or ibuprofen?
- Ask your GP or pharmacist before taking Allopurinol with Paracetamol or Ibuprofen. Many adults use paracetamol for short periods when appropriate; NSAIDs such as ibuprofen need extra checks with your other medicines and health conditions.
- What are the side effects of Allopurinol?
- Rash, digestive upset, headache, or drowsiness can occur. Many people tolerate allopurinol well once on a stable dose. See the sections below for more detail, including serious side effects and when to seek urgent help.
- Can I take ibuprofen with allopurinol?
- Often NSAIDs are used short term for gout flares under medical advice, but regular NSAIDs need kidney and stomach checks — ask your GP or pharmacist.
Need personalised advice?
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