How It Works
Allopurinol makes it more difficult for your body to make uric acid. This decreases the amount of uric acid in the urine, reducing the chance that a uric acid kidney stone will form.
Why It Is Used
Allopurinol may be used if you have:
- Uric acid kidney stones or high levels of uric acid in the urine.
- Kidney stones for which no specific cause can be found.
How Well It Works
Allopurinol prevents uric acid stones from forming. It can also dissolve existing small uric acid stones.
Side Effects
Side effects include:
- Liver problems.
- Reduced blood cell production by the bone marrow.
- Rash. Let your doctor or nurse know if you develop a rash, because a rash can sometimes develop into a serious allergic reaction.
Allopurinol can interact with other medicines, especially thiazides, increasing your risk of allergic reactions. Thiazides are often used to prevent calcium kidney stones.
See Drug Reference for a full list of side effects. (Drug Reference is not available in all systems.)
What To Think About
You may be able to reduce the amount of uric acid in your urine by decreasing the amount of red meat protein in your diet.
You may need blood and urine tests to check blood counts, liver, and kidney function, especially during the first months you use the medicine.
Complete the new medication information form (PDF)
(What is a PDF document?) to help you understand this medication.
Credits
| Author | Monica Rhodes |
| Editor | Kathleen M. Ariss, MS |
| Associate Editor | Pat Truman |
| Primary Medical Reviewer | Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine |
| Specialist Medical Reviewer | Philip Belitsky, MD, FRCSC - Urology |
| Last Updated | May 30, 2007 |
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