Allopurinol is a prescription medicine available as an oral tablet. Allopurinol is a Xanthine oxidase inhibitor that reduces the blood uric acid level.
Allopurinol decreases the uric acid level in the blood. Accordingly, it is used for:
Usually, the human body produces a substance known as Urate, which is removed from the body by the kidney. However, often body starts producing an excessive amount of uric acid, which gets deposit in and around body joints in the form of uric acid crystals. Xanthine oxidase is the enzyme that plays a critical role in the production of uric acid in the human body. Allopurinol inhibits the enzyme, Xanthine oxidase, thus reducing uric acid production in the body.
Allopurinol helps relieve the patient from flaring up Gout or gout attacks by inhibiting uric acid production in the body. Reduction of uric acid production by Allopurinol helps in the long term management of Gout.
Allopurinol is a prescription medicine. Allopurinol tablets are to be taken orally with a glass of water, once a day, preferably after having food. Depending upon the blood uric acid levels, the doctor will prescribe the exact dose of Allopurinol. Allopurinol tablet can be taken at any time of the day; however, it is best to take the Allopurinol tablet daily at the same time. Drinking plenty of water daily is also highly recommended as it will aid in removing uric acid from the body.
Allopurinol tablets are available in two strengths- 100 mg and 300 mg. Usually, therapy is initiated at a low dose of 100 mg daily and may go up to 300mg a day. Depending on the blood uric acid levels and kidney function, the doctor will advise the correct dosage of Allopurinol. In patients with exceptionally high uric acid levels, the dosage may go as high as 900mg a day.
Allopurinol should not be taken in people with,
Mild skin rashes are the most common side effect associated with Allopurinol. However, in rare cases, headache, fever, nausea, vomiting, allergic reaction, drowsiness may also be experienced by the patient.
Allopurinol can interfere with the action of other medicines and may increase the chances of side effects; hence, before taking Allopurinol, inform your doctor if you are on the therapy of any of the following:
You can buy Allopurinol tablets online. It is recommended that always buy Allopurinol tablets online from a trusted online pharmacy like MedsNow. You can buy Allopurinol tablets from our online pharmacy, Medsnow, after getting proper medical online consultation with our experienced team of doctors and pharmacists. Alternatively, you can procure an independent prescription as well. The medication will be delivered conveniently to your doorstep. It is good to have online consultation because it will ensure that Allopurinol is the correct medicine for your medical problem and you consume its appropriate dose as well.
Allopurinol tablets should be stored at room temperature (68°F and 77°F OR 20°C and 25°C), away from direct heat, humidity and light. Keep the medicine out of the reach of children.
Allopurinol, how long does it take to work
Allopurinol starts to reduce or lower the uric acid level in the body within 1-3 weeks of initiation of the Allopurinol therapy. However, an effective reduction in uric acid levels reduces the gout attack after 2-6 weeks of Allopurinol consumption. In the majority of the cases, Gout attacks completely stop after Allopurinol therapy of 1 year. The patients should comply and consume Allopurinol as prescribed by the doctor.
How much does Allopurinol cost in the UK?
The cost of 28 Allopurinol tablets, 100mg, in the UK would be around £15, while 28 Allopurinol tablets of 300 mg strength would cost £17.
How much Allopurinol should you take for Gout?
For the management of Gout, Allopurinol therapy is initiated at low doses of 100 mg per day orally, which may go up to 300 mg per day depending upon the uric acid level and kidney function. The doctor will routinely evaluate the uric acid level and kidney function to adjust the dose of Allopurinol.
Why Allopurinol is contraindicated in acute Gout
It is essential to understand that Allopurinol does not provide treatment for acute gout attack and is not a pain killer. Hence, in case of an acute attack of Gout, additional pain killers may be needed to relieve the pain in acute Gout.
How long should you take Allopurinol?
In all likelihood, once Allopurinol therapy, once initiated, will continue for a lifetime for the gout management. Allopurinol is safe for long term usage.
What foods to avoid while taking Allopurinol?
None of the food items reduces the effectiveness of Allopurinol. However, certain food items should be avoided to minimise gout attack or gout flare. Alcohol, Purine-rich food items like anchovies, liver, kidneys & sardines can aggravate Gout. Thus, it is recommended to avoid consuming alcohol while on Allopurinol therapy.
When should Allopurinol be taken morning or night?
Allopurinol has to be consumed once daily and can be consumed at any time of the day; however, it is best to consume Allopurinol at the same time of the day, every day after a meal, for effective treatment outcome.
Is Allopurinol bad for your heart?
No. Recent studies suggest that Allopurinol has a protective effect on the heart and reduces cardiac events like stroke and myocardial infarction in gout patients.
Does Allopurinol raise blood pressure?
Higher blood uric acid levels raise blood pressure. In contrast, Allopurinol reduces the uric acid level. Certain clinical studies reports suggest a reduction in blood pressure on the usage of Allopurinol. However, extensive and detailed studies will establish this.
(GPhC Reg: 2061101)
(GPhC Reg: 2086766)
