Allopurinol
Also known as: Zyloric
What it's for
Allopurinol prevents gout attacks by lowering uric acid in your blood. It does not treat gout attacks but stops them from happening. It takes time to work.
Comes as: Tablets
How to take it
- Adults: Usually start with 100mg once a day.
- Your doctor may gradually increase the dose.
- Take after food.
- Drink plenty of water (2 to 3 litres daily).
Doses here are typical. Always follow the instructions from your prescriber or on the packet — they come first.
Common side effects
- Skin rash (stop and tell your doctor)
- Feeling sick
- Gout flares when you first start (temporary)
The leaflet inside the packet lists all known side effects.
Important safety points
- You may get more gout attacks when you first start - your doctor may give you other tablets to prevent this
- Stop and see a doctor immediately if you get a rash
- Tell your doctor if you have kidney or liver problems
- Drink plenty of water
Get medical help urgently if…
- You develop any skin rash - stop taking it and see a doctor urgently
- You have a fever with a rash
- You have mouth ulcers or flu-like symptoms with a rash
Call NHS 111 for urgent advice, or 999 if someone is seriously unwell.
Before you act on anything here
This page is general information, written to help you understand — it is not personal medical advice and it cannot tell you what is right for you. Talk to your own GP, pharmacist or nurse about your own health.
- Need help now but it's not an emergency? Call NHS 111 or use 111.nhs.uk.
- Emergency? Call 999 or go to A&E.