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What does it do?

Allopurinol is used to prevent gout and kidney stones. It reduces the amount of uric acid made in your body.

Before you start

  • Tell your doctor if you have kidney or liver problems.
  • Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding.

How should you take it?

Take allopurinol regularly as directed. Take with food and a glass of water.

What if you forget a dose?

If it is nearly time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the usual time. Otherwise, take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Do not take two doses at the same time.

Can you take other medicines?

Tell your pharmacist or doctor about all medicines or treatments that you may be taking, including vitamins, herbal products or recreational drugs.

What side effects might you notice?

Side EffectsRecommended action

Skin rash, itching, fever

Stop taking and see your doctor immediately

Trouble peeing

Gout attack

Headache, dizziness, drowsiness

Tell your doctor if troublesome

Stomach upset

Take with food

If you notice any other effects, discuss them with your doctor or pharmacist.

Other information:

  • Allopurinol can cause kidney stones if you do not drink enough fluid. Discuss with your healthcare professional.
  • Allopurinol can cause a gout attack when you start taking it, so your doctor may prescribe another medicine to prevent this happening. Keep taking allopurinol during a gout attack. Stopping the tablets suddenly is likely to make your gout worse.

This leaflet contains important, but not all, information about this medicine.

Prepared by the MyMedicines Committee at Christchurch Hospital, Te Whatu Ora - Waitaha, New Zealand. March 2023

For more general information about this sheet and its contents, see: What does a My Medicines sheet cover?

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About My Medicines

My Medicines Patient Information Leaflets (PILs) contain important, but not all, information about the medicines they describe.

For more information about the sheets, see: What does a My Medicines sheet cover?

My Medicines is developed by a team at Te Whatu Ora – Waitaha. Our team is made up of doctors, pharmacists, and a non-medical person to help us keep to plain language. We also discuss our information with specialist health professionals or groups when needed