Xanthine oxidase inhibitor (uric acid lowering agent)
Last reviewed June 2026
Who is this for?
Allopurinol is a medicine that lowers the amount of uric acid your body produces — uric acid is a waste product that can build up in your blood and joints, causing painful swelling and kidney stones.
Inhibits xanthine oxidase, the enzyme responsible for converting hypoxanthine and xanthine to uric acid, thereby reducing serum and urinary uric acid levels and preventing urate crystal deposition in joints and kidneys.
Prescription Required
You need a doctor's prescription to buy this drug.
Explore this drug
Adults usually start with 100 mg once daily, taken after food to reduce stomach upset. Your doctor may gradually increase this to 200–300 mg daily depending on your uric acid levels. Swallow the tablet with a full glass of water and try to drink plenty of water throughout the day — at least 2 litres — to help flush out uric acid.
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. But if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed one and continue as normal. Do not take two doses at once to make up for it.
Buy only from registered pharmacies — allopurinol from roadside sellers may be fake or expired. Do not share this drug with someone else who has joint pain, as their condition may be different. Drink plenty of water daily while on this medication to protect your kidneys, especially in hot Nigerian weather.
Azathioprine or mercaptopurine (drugs used for immune conditions or cancer) — allopurinol can dangerously increase their levels in your body. Warfarin (blood thinner) — allopurinol may increase your risk of bleeding. Alcohol can raise uric acid levels and make your gout worse, so reduce or avoid alcohol while taking this medicine.
Check your specific combination
Is it safe to take Allopurinol with your other drugs?
Allopurinol is not considered safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding — consult your doctor before using it if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or nursing a baby.
Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and heat — Nigerian weather can be very hot, so avoid leaving it in your car or near windows. Keep the tablets in their original container and far away from children.
For information only — not medical advice. Always talk to a doctor or pharmacist before changing your medication.
Names this drug is sold under — especially in Nigerian and West African pharmacies
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Counterfeit Drug Warning
Fake drugs are a serious problem in Nigeria. Always buy from a registered pharmacy. If the packaging looks different from what is described above, do not use it.
Dispensing Allopurinol?
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