All medications
Gout medicines
Allopurinol
Brand names: Zyloprim, Aloprim
The first-choice medicine to lower uric acid and prevent gout flares over the long term.
Video lesson
Animated explainer
What it’s used for
Gout with frequent flares, tophi or joint damage, and kidney stones from uric acid.
How it works
It blocks xanthine oxidase, the enzyme that turns purines into uric acid.
How it’s taken
A daily tablet started at a low dose and increased every few weeks until uric acid is below 6 mg/dL.
Side effects
Rash, which should be reported right away, mild stomach upset and, rarely, a severe allergic reaction.
Monitoring
Uric acid every few weeks while adjusting, then every 6 to 12 months, plus kidney and liver tests.
Good to know
HLA-B*58:01 testing is recommended before starting for people of Southeast Asian or African descent. Never combine with azathioprine without a plan.
At a glance
Class
Gout medicines
Brand names
Zyloprim, Aloprim
Reviewed by Farhan Tahir, MD, FACR
Questions about your own care?
Book an in-person or telehealth consultation with Dr. Tahir.
For education only. Don’t start, stop or change a medicine without talking to your care team.