Class: Xanthine oxidase inhibitor

Manufacturer: Metro

Dosage Form: Tablet

Similar Brands: G out allopurinol 300mg 28s

Uses:

Allopurinol is used in the management of conditions associated with excessive uric acid levels, including:

• Chronic gout and gouty arthritis

• Prevention and treatment of uric acid nephropathy in cancer therapy

• Recurrent uric acid kidney stones

• Hyperuricaemia due to enzyme disorders

• Renal calculi associated with calcium oxalate (when hyperuricosuria is present)

• Rarely, in protozoal infections such as leishmaniasis and American trypanosomiasis

Dosage:

• Adults (Gout): Start with 100 mg daily, increase by 100 mg at weekly intervals until target plasma urate ≤ 0.36 mmol/L. Usual dose: 100–300 mg daily; severe cases: up to 600 mg/day. Max: 800–900 mg/day.

• Cancer-Related Hyperuricaemia: 600–800 mg/day for 2–3 days before chemotherapy. Maintain hydration.

• Children:

  • UK: 10–20 mg/kg daily (max 400 mg/day)

  • USA: 150 mg/day (<6 years), 300 mg/day (6–10 years), adjusted after 48 hours

Side Effects:

• Common: Skin rash (maculopapular, pruritic), gastrointestinal upset

• Serious: Stevens-Johnson syndrome, toxic epidermal necrolysis, hypersensitivity syndrome (fever, eosinophilia, hepatic/renal failure)

• Others: Hepatotoxicity, hematologic disorders (agranulocytosis, aplastic anemia), CNS symptoms (headache, drowsiness, neuropathy), alopecia, hypertension

Warnings & Precautions:

• Do not initiate during an acute gout attack.

• Adequate hydration (2–3L/day) is essential to prevent renal complications.

• Reduce dose in renal or hepatic impairment.

• Discontinue immediately if a rash or signs of hypersensitivity occur.

• Use with caution in patients on antihypertensives or with cardiac conditions.

• Compatible with breastfeeding, but monitor infant if used.

Pregnancy & Lactation:

Use only if clearly needed (limited data)

Drug Interactions:

Allopurinol may interact with various drugs, especially during IV administration. Incompatibilities noted with aminoglycosides, some chemotherapeutics, corticosteroids, and others (see detailed reference list). Always review compatibility in mixed therapies.

Contraindications:

• Hypersensitivity to allopurinol

• Acute gout attack (should not be started during an attack)

Price: Ksh 300

Notes:

Pack Size: 30s

Mechanism of Action

Allopurinol inhibits the enzyme xanthine oxidase, reducing the production of uric acid by preventing the oxidation of hypoxanthine and xanthine. This lowers serum and urinary uric acid levels, helping dissolve existing deposits and prevent new ones. Its primary active metabolite, oxipurinol, exerts a non-competitive inhibitory effect on xanthine oxidase.