Zyloprim
(allopurinol)
Lowers uric acid levels in blood, and prevents gout flare-ups.
Our bottom line
Zyloprim (allopurinol) works well to prevent gout attacks and is cheaper than some alternatives, but it takes a few weeks to start working.
- Drug class: Musculoskeletal
- Rx status: Prescription only
- Generic status: Lower-cost generic available (allopurinol)
Upsides
- Zyloprim (allopurinol) works well to lower uric acid in the body.
- It is available as a generic medication.
What to expect from Allopurinol, on one page
Downsides
- Zyloprim (allopurinol) can raise the number of gout attacks in the first few weeks.
- It can take 2 to 6 weeks to feel the full effects of Zyloprim (allopurinol).
- Kidney stones can form while taking Zyloprim (allopurinol), so you need to drink a lot of fluids to help prevent this.
What to expect from Allopurinol, on one page
Zyloprim (allopurinol) is a xanthine oxidase inhibitor. It lowers uric acid levels in your blood, which can stop gout attacks and kidney stones.
- Drug class: Musculoskeletal
- Rx status: Prescription only
- Generic status: Lower-cost generic available (allopurinol)
Used for
- Gout
- High uric acid in cancer
- Recurrent kidney stones
Dosage forms
- Pill
- Injection
Prices and coupons
Skip prices section. Skip to what to expect section.- Pay as low as$857.87Retail priceRetail priceLearn more
- CostcoGet free coupon$848.51
- Get free coupon$865.62
- AlbertsonsGet free coupon$865.62
What to expect when you take Zyloprim (allopurinol) for Gout
Skip what to expect section. Skip to side effects section.- First few daysDaysFirst few weeksWeeksFirst few monthsMonthsLong term
- Effectiveness
- Starts to kick inFull effects
- First few daysDaysFirst few weeksWeeksFirst few monthsMonthsLong term
- Possible side effects
- Rash
- Acute gout attack
- Diarrhea
- Nausea
- Liver problems
It can take time for a drug to start working, or for some side effects to go away.
Source: FDA product label and Iodine pharmacistsSide effect rates for Zyloprim (allopurinol)
Manufacturers don’t say how common these side effects are when taking Allopurinol for gout
- Skin rash
- Gout attacks
- Diarrhea
- Nausea
- Abnormal liver tests
- Fever
- Headache
- Liver injury
- Vomiting
- Stomach upset and pain
- Changes in blood cell counts
- Muscle pain
- Joint pain
- Numbness and tingling
- Sleepiness
- Kidney stones
- Kidney injury
- Hair loss
- Itching
- Hives
- Finger and toenail changes
- Change in taste
- Bloody nose
Risks and Warnings for Zyloprim (allopurinol)
Skip risks section. Skip to common concerns section.It is common for people to have more gout attacks the first few weeks they start taking Zyloprim (allopurinol). Talk to your doctor so they can prescribe other medicines to stop the attacks from happening.
Common concerns from people taking Zyloprim (allopurinol)
Final section. Do you want to return to drug navigation?Research studies with animals found harmful effects on unborn babies. It hasn’t been properly studied in humans. The benefits might outweigh the risks even if you’re pregnant. Talk with your doctor.
Tip: Always talk with your doctor before you take any medication while pregnant.- Take with food or milk to prevent an upset stomach.
- Kidney stones can form while taking Zyloprim (allopurinol), so you need to drink a lot of fluids to help prevent this.
- Worth itLow hassleReviewed Allopurinolon 8/29/2017If it was harmful to kidney, not sure.66ManTwo years or moreGout
- Taking Zyloprim (allopurinol) can make you feel sleepy or dizzy, especially if you're taking other medicines that can also make you feel sleepy, or if you're taking recreational drugs or drinking too much alcohol. Avoid driving or doing other tasks that require concentration until you know how this medication affects you. Get up very slowly from a seated or lying down position.