Drug Name:Allopurinol
Drug Class:Xanthine oxidase inhibitor
Mechanism of Action:
  • Inhibits the enzyme xanthine oxidase, which is responsible for the conversion of hypoxanthine to xanthine and then to uric acid
  • Reduces the production of uric acid in the body
Use:
  • Prevention and treatment of gout and hyperuricemia
  • Prevention of uric acid nephropathy in patients undergoing chemotherapy or radiation therapy
Side Effects:
  • Skin rash
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Diarrhea
  • Headache
  • Dizziness
  • Hypersensitivity reactions (e.g. Stevens-Johnson syndrome)
Contraindications:
  • Hypersensitivity to allopurinol
  • Severe liver or kidney disease
  • Pregnancy and breastfeeding
Specialty:
  • Rheumatology
  • Oncology
  • Nephrology