Allopurinol

Allopurinol is a medication prescribed for the treatment of gout. It is suited for people who are prone to frequent gout attacks, as allopurinol works as a preventative. It is not used to treat an attack itself.

If you’re looking to alleviate symptoms of a gout attack, you can purchase a drug from HealthExpress called Colchicine which works to quickly reduce inflammation.

Gout is a condition that is caused by a spike in uric acid levels. When uric acid levels are too high (hyperuricaemia), it can form crystals around the joint which causes the pain and inflammation.

Allopurinol specifically targets uric acid levels. It belongs to a class of medicines known as xanthine-oxidase inhibitors which work to lower the uric acid levels in the blood and urine by preventing the action of a specific enzyme responsible for uric acid production (xanthine oxidase).

High uric acid levels are also symptomatic of kidney stones, which is why allopurinol is also prescribed in these cases.

Allopurinol tablets are available in two different doses: 100 and 300mg tablets.

The initial dose is 100mg daily (one 100mg Allopurinol tablet once daily). However, your dose may need to be increased depending on the severity of the condition.

• mild gout - 200mg daily (one 100mg tablet twice daily)
• moderate gout - 300 to 600mg daily (one 300mg tablet once or twice daily)
• severe gout - 700 to 900mg daily (one 300mg tablet, three times daily)

If you are told to take 700 or 800mg daily. You will need to take both the 100mg and 300mg tablets to make up the full dose. If you are not sure how to take your tablets, please consult your doctor.

Your dose may need to be adjusted if you are over the age of 65, have kidney or liver disease. If you are not sure, you should speak to your primary doctor.

You should swallow Allopurinol tablets whole with a glass of water and after a meal.

If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However if it is almost time for your next dose, then skip the missed dose and take the next dose as normal. You should not take a double dose to make up for the missed dose.

The daily recommended maximum dose is 900mg. If you take more Allopurinol than you should, you seek emergency medical attention even if you feel fine.

Like all medicines, Allopurinol can cause some side effects. However, the most common side effects are mild and go away on their own.

The most common potential side effects include:

• skin rash
• raised thyroid level in the blood
• feeling sick (nausea)
• abnormal liver function test

You may also experience an allergic reaction to Allopurinol. If you experience any of the following, you should stop taking Allopurinol and seek medical advice:

• skin reaction (flaking skin, boils or sores)
• wheezing, fluttering or tightness in chest

If you are of Han Chinese, Thai, Korean, African or Indian descent, you may be more susceptible to a skin reaction and you should consult your doctor before taking Allopurinol.

For a more comprehensive list of side effects, please refer to the patient information leaflet that is available to download on this page and will be in the box with your medication.

Allopurinol is safe for most people to take but you should always check with your doctor before taking any new medication, especially if you have any preexisting conditions such as:

• kidney or liver problems
• high blood pressure or other heart problems
• a thyroid condition
• galactose intolerance
• undergoing cancer treatment

If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, you should also consult with your doctor before taking Allopurinol.

In addition, you should mention to your prescriber if you take any other medications, including any over-the-counter, prescription or recreational drugs.

You should be particularly cautious taking Allopurinol if you take:

• other gout medications
• aspirin used to treat pain or thin blood
• medicines to treat high blood pressure (e.g. lisinopril or indapamide)
• medicines to thin the blood (e.g. warfarin)
• antibiotics (e.g. amoxicillin)
• sulfonylurea medicines for diabetes (e.g. tolbutamide)
• antiepileptic drugs (e.g. phenytoin or carbamazepine)
• immunosuppressants (e.g. ciclosporin)
• theophylline for asthma or other respiratory conditions
• aluminium hydroxide used for stomach problems
• vidarabine used to treat herpes simplex virus or chickenpox
• didanosine used to treat HIV

For a comprehensive list of contraindications and precautions, please refer to the patient information leaflet.

You can buy Allopurinol online to treat gout here at HealthExpress if you have been diagnosed by a medical professional. All you have to do is fill out a quick consultation form online that will be approved by one of our UK registered doctors. Once approved, your medication will be dispatched and delivered right to your door.