Allopurinol: What It Is, How It Works, and What You Need to Know
When your body makes too much uric acid, a waste product formed when your body breaks down purines in food and your own cells. Also known as a xanthine oxidase inhibitor, it's the go-to drug for preventing gout flares and kidney stones caused by excess uric acid. Allopurinol doesn’t treat pain during a gout attack—it stops the problem before it starts. It works by blocking the enzyme that turns purines into uric acid, lowering levels in your blood over time. This isn’t a quick fix. You might still have flares in the first few months, but over time, the frequency and severity drop significantly.
People who take allopurinol often have gout, a painful form of arthritis caused by uric acid crystals building up in joints. Also known as hyperuricemia, this condition affects millions, especially men over 40 and those with kidney issues or a diet high in red meat and alcohol. But it’s not just for gout. Doctors also prescribe it for people with high uric acid due to cancer treatments, kidney stones, or certain metabolic disorders. If you’ve had multiple kidney stones made of uric acid, allopurinol might be your best defense. It’s not a painkiller, but it’s one of the few drugs that actually changes the root cause.
What you won’t find in every article is how allopurinol connects to other treatments. It’s often used alongside colchicine or NSAIDs in the early stages to manage flares while your body adjusts. Some people switch to febuxostat if they can’t tolerate allopurinol, but for most, it’s the first and best choice. The key is consistency—taking it daily, even when you feel fine. Skipping doses lets uric acid creep back up. And yes, you need to drink plenty of water. Hydration helps flush out what’s left.
Side effects are usually mild—rash, nausea, dizziness—but in rare cases, it can trigger a serious skin reaction called Stevens-Johnson syndrome. If you get a rash or fever early on, stop taking it and call your doctor. Most people, though, take it for years without issues. Blood tests every few months help track your uric acid levels and make sure the dose is still right.
Below, you’ll find real-world insights from people who’ve used allopurinol, comparisons with other treatments, and practical advice on managing side effects, costs, and long-term use. Whether you’re just starting out or have been on it for years, these posts give you the no-fluff facts you need to stay in control.
Allopurinol is the standard for gout and high uric acid, but alternatives like febuxostat, probenecid, and pegloticase may be better for some people. Learn how they compare in effectiveness, safety, and cost.
Oct, 30 2025