• Allopurinol is indicated for the treatment of hyperuricemia in patients with gout, and to prevent gout attacks and kidney stones.
• Allopurinol is also used to treat high uric acid levels in blood due to certain cancers, such as leukemia and lymphoma.

Hyperuricemia

Gout

• The amount of Allopurinol needed to effectively treat gout and lower the level of uric acid in the blood varies depending on the severity of the condition.
• For mild gout, the average dose is 200-300 mg per day, and for moderate to severe cases, the average dose is 400-600 mg per day.
• The recommended dose can be taken in smaller amounts at different times of the day or as a single 300 mg dose.
• If more than 300 mg is needed, it should be taken in multiple doses.
• The minimum effective dose is 100-200 mg daily and the highest recommended dose is 800 mg daily.
• To prevent a sudden flare-up of gout during treatment, it is recommended to start with a low dose of 100 mg per day and gradually increase by 100 mg per week until the uric acid level reaches 6 mg/dL or lower, but not exceeding the maximum recommended dose. Normal uric acid levels are typically achieved within 1 to 3 weeks.

The most common adverse reactions associated with Allopurinol therapy include:

• liver function test abnormalities
• nausea
• gout attack
• skin rash

Liver problems

Nausea

Gout

Rash

• Allopurinol should be used with caution in patients with liver or kidney impairment.
• Allopurinol may increase the risk of serious skin reactions, including Stevens-Johnson syndrome and toxic epidermal necrolysis.
• Allopurinol may interact with other medications, including azathioprine, mercaptopurine, and theophylline.
• Patients taking Allopurinol should inform their healthcare provider of all medications they are taking.