If you’ve been told you have gout, your doctor probably mentioned a drug called allopurinol. It’s the go‑to medicine for people who have high uric acid levels that cause painful joint attacks. In plain terms, allopurinol tells your body to make less uric acid, so the crystals that spark gout attacks can’t build up.
People also use it for kidney stones and some rare enzyme disorders, but gout is by far the most common reason. The drug isn’t a pain reliever; it works behind the scenes to prevent future attacks. That’s why you’ll often hear doctors say you need to take it every day, even when you feel fine.
Doctors look at your blood test to see how much uric acid you have. If it’s above the normal range and you’ve had gout flares or kidney stones, they’ll likely start you on allopurinol. The goal is to bring your uric acid down to a target level—usually below 6 mg/dL. Some patients need a lower target, especially if they keep getting attacks.
Allopurinol is also used in a condition called Lesch‑Nyhan syndrome, where the body produces too much uric acid from birth. In those rare cases, the dose may be higher, but the principle stays the same: keep uric acid low.
Typical starting doses are 100 mg once a day. Your doctor may increase it by 100 mg increments every few weeks until your lab results hit the target. Most people end up on 300 mg or 400 mg per day, but some need up to 800 mg.
Take allopurinol with food or a full glass of water to avoid stomach upset. Common side effects include mild rash, stomach pain, or diarrhea. A serious rash (Stevens‑Johnson syndrome) is rare but needs immediate medical attention.
Check your meds before you start. Allopurinol can interact with drugs like azathioprine, mercaptopurine, and certain antibiotics (e.g., amoxicillin‑clavulanate). Those combos can raise the risk of bone‑marrow suppression. If you’re on warfarin, your blood‑thinner dose might need tweaking.
Alcohol isn’t a direct interaction, but drinking a lot can raise uric acid and undo the benefits of the pill. Staying hydrated and limiting purine‑rich foods (red meat, seafood, beer) helps the medication work better.
When you’re ready to order allopurinol online, look for a licensed Canadian pharmacy that requires a prescription. Reputable sites will ask for your doctor’s note, show a pharmacist’s contact info, and have clear privacy policies. Avoid any site that offers “no prescription needed” deals—they’re often scams or sell counterfeit drugs.
Shipping from Canada to the U.S. is legal for personal use as long as the amount is for a 90‑day supply and you have a valid prescription. Keep your prescription handy in case customs asks for it.
To sum it up, allopurinol is a daily, long‑term solution that lowers uric acid and keeps gout at bay. Start low, follow your doctor’s dose plan, watch for rashes, and always buy from a trusted pharmacy that asks for a prescription. With those steps, you’ll be on the road to fewer attacks and better joint health.
4 Sep 2025
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