Allopurinol: What You Need to Know

Monday November 5, 2007

Allopurinol is prescribed for the treatment of chronic gout and is used to prevent rather than treat gout attacks. Gout occurs in about 800 out of every 100,000 people and accounts for approximately 5 percent of all cases of arthritis. Men who are between 39-59 years old are the most likely group to develop gout. Women also may develop gout but usually not until after menopause. Gout is uncommon in children and adolescents.

Allopurinol -- which goes by the brand names Aloprim and Zyloprim -- is a drug that belongs to a class of medications called xanthine oxidase inhibitors. Allopurinol is available as a 100 mg. tablet. The medication is taken once or twice daily, usually following a meal. Allopurinol works by blocking uric acid production. Uric acid is a waste product normally present in the blood as a result of the breakdown of purines. Excessive amounts of uric acid can cause crystals to form in the joints, which can lead to gout.

What are the safety warnings for allopurinol?
What are the potential side effects of allopurinol?
What possible drug interactions may occur with allopurinol?

Knowing how to use allopurinol safely decreases the chance for unwanted side effects. Safety warnings about allopurinol should be respected. Learn more about the drug in What You Need to Know About Allopurinol.

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