Allopurinol is a xanthine oxidase inhibitor which reduces levels of uric acid in the blood. The medication is most commonly used to manage gout, but patients also buy allopurinol to treat certain types of kidney stones and to manage uric acid levels in some cancer therapies. Rarely it may be used in various other treatments.

This product is more widely recognized by the brand names Zyloprim or Lopurin, though it's also possible to buy allopurinol as a generic in most areas.

Treatment Overview

Allopurinol is only available in tablets. Food is optional, but taking doses on a full stomach may reduce gastrointestinal side effects.

Drinking sufficient fluids is very important during treatment with allopurinol; ideally enough fluids will be consumed to produce 2 liters of urine each day. Patients unable to consume this much liquid should discuss the situation with a doctor before initiating treatment.

Dosage determination is relatively complex, as it is very much based on individual factors:

• Doses typically range from 200 to 600 mg per day, depending on severity of the condition and other individual factors.
• Doses under 100 mg are unlikely to be effective.
• Doses should never exceed 800 mg in one day.
• Doses over 300 mg should be divided into two or more smaller doses, taken throughout the day.

Treatment should begin with a small dose of 100 mg, increased by 100 mg each week until an effective dose is found; it is considered effective when uric acid levels are 7 mg/dL or less. It typically takes one to three weeks of treatment at an effective dose to achieve these levels.

Duration of treatment largely depends on the condition being treated and if the underlying cause of elevated uric acid is resolved, as is often the case with kidney stones or cancer therapies. In treating gout allopurinol is used to reduce frequency and severity of flare-ups rather than symptoms of an existing attack, so use tends to be long term. Note that it does not reduce pain from gout attacks; pain medications may be used along with allopurinol.

Warnings & Adverse Effects

Allopurinol carries risk of serious side effects if used improperly. Patients should not buy allopurinol without a formal diagnosis and are strongly encouraged to receive regular checkups to ensure the medication is working properly and no adverse effects are developing.

Patients who are elderly or who have a history of liver disease, kidney disease, diabetes, or high blood pressure may be at greater risk of experiencing side effects. This does not mean allopurinol can't be used, but dosage adjustments and greater monitoring may be required.

The most common side effects associated with allopurinol include:

• Nausea
• Headache
• Dizziness
• Drowsiness

The medication produces rashes in about 2 percent of patients. The majority of these rashes are not cause for concern, but may indicate a very rare but very serious skin reaction. Any unexplained rashes that develop during treatment should be brought to the attention of a doctor.

Other side effects which warrant medical attention include:

• Vision changes
• Jaundice
• Painful urination
• Dark urine
• Severe itching
• Severe stomach or abdomen pain

Allopurinol should not be used by women who are pregnant or breast-feeding.

Buy Allopurinol from a Trusted Source

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A prescription is required to buy allopurinol. Our online doctor may be able to issue a prescription for clients who don't already have one. Select a product for more information.