Allopurinol
Allopurinol lowers uric acid and is used for long-term prevention in selected people with Gout or other urate-related conditions. It does not provide immediate pain relief during a flare.
Key points
- Gout flares can increase temporarily after starting urate-lowering treatment; this does not automatically mean treatment has failed.
- A new rash, fever, mouth sores or facial swelling can signal severe allopurinol hypersensitivity.
- Kidney function, ancestry-related genetic risk and major interactions affect safe treatment.
Listings are for comparison and general information; suitability and supply depend on diagnosis, clinician and pharmacy checks, monitoring and prescription requirements.
Important safety checks
Kidney and liver function, blood counts and medicines such as azathioprine or mercaptopurine require review. HLA-B*5801 testing may be relevant for people with higher-risk ancestry.
When to seek urgent care
Stop and seek immediate help for any new rash with fever, blistering, mouth or eye sores, facial swelling, breathing difficulty or jaundice. Markedly reduced urine or unusual bruising also needs urgent review.
Further reading
Related articles
Understand the different roles of colchicine, NSAIDs and corticosteroids for flares versus allopurinol and febuxostat for urate lowering.
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