1. Allopurinol acts to reduce the amount of uric acid in the body. It is mainly
used to prevent gout and kidney stones.
2. The tablets should be taken with or after food. Try to take them with a glass
of water and at the same time each day.
3. Do not stop taking this medicine without talking to your doctor first. If
you suddenly stop, your symptoms could come back.
4. It is important to drink plenty of fluids (not alcohol) while you are taking
these tablets.
5. Like all medicines, allopurinol can have some unwanted effects. Rashes are
the most common side effect. If you get an unusual skin rash, stop taking the
tablets and tell your doctor straight away.
This series of "advice tips" on commonly used drugs is written by
pharmacists from the Sussex Pharmacy Academic Practice Unit. It is intended
as a reminder of points to be made by pharmacists as they hand out dispensed
medicines. The list is not intended to be comprehensive but to cover some important
points.
By Carina and Duncan Livingstone
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