- Class
- Gout drugs
- Body system
- Bone and joint
- Brand names
- Zyloprim, Aloprim
What is Allopurinol used for?
- Prevention of gout attacks (chronic gout)
- Prevention of tumor lysis syndrome during chemotherapy
- Recurrent calcium oxalate kidney stones
How Allopurinol works
Xanthine oxidase inhibitor: lowers the production of uric acid.
Common side effects
- Rash
- Gout flares in the first months of therapy
- Nausea and diarrhea
Report right away
- Any skin rash, especially with fever, blisters, mouth sores or swelling: stop the drug and call right away
- Painful or decreased urination
Nursing considerations for Allopurinol
- Not used to treat an acute gout attack; colchicine or an NSAID is often given at the start to prevent flares.
- Monitor uric acid, kidney function, liver function and the CBC. Patients of Southeast Asian (such as Han Chinese, Korean or Thai) or African American ancestry may be tested for HLA-B*58:01, which raises the risk of severe skin reactions.
- It sharply raises the levels of azathioprine and mercaptopurine.
Patient teaching
- Take after a meal with a full glass of water.
- Drink plenty of fluids (often enough to make at least 2 liters of urine a day) unless restricted.
- Limit alcohol and high-purine foods such as organ meats and some seafood.
This card does not list doses. Use the prescriber's order, the product label and a current drug reference for dosing, and follow your facility's policies.
Gout drugs practice questions
NCLEX-style questions on the class Allopurinol belongs to.
3 questions. Choose an answer to see the rationale.
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A patient taking allopurinol develops a rash. What is the correct action?
Show answer
Answer D: Stop the drug and notify the provider A rash can be the first sign of a severe hypersensitivity reaction such as Stevens-Johnson syndrome.
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Which drug treats an acute gout attack?
Show answer
Answer C: Colchicine Colchicine (or an NSAID or corticosteroid) treats acute flares; the others prevent future attacks.
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Which teaching helps prevent kidney stones during allopurinol therapy?
Show answer
Answer A: Drink plenty of fluids Good hydration helps flush uric acid and prevents stone formation.
Frequently asked questions
What is Allopurinol used for?
Prevention of gout attacks (chronic gout); Prevention of tumor lysis syndrome during chemotherapy; Recurrent calcium oxalate kidney stones.
What drug class is Allopurinol?
Allopurinol belongs to the class gout drugs. Xanthine oxidase inhibitor: lowers the production of uric acid.
What are the nursing considerations for Allopurinol?
Not used to treat an acute gout attack; colchicine or an NSAID is often given at the start to prevent flares. Monitor uric acid, kidney function, liver function and the CBC. Patients of Southeast Asian (such as Han Chinese, Korean or Thai) or African American ancestry may be tested for HLA-B*58:01, which raises the risk of severe skin reactions.
What should patients report while taking Allopurinol?
any skin rash, especially with fever, blisters, mouth sores or swelling: stop the drug and call right away; painful or decreased urination.