Allopurinol: Uses, Side Effects & Brands in Pakistan

Allopurinol is a xanthine oxidase inhibitor that lowers uric acid. It is a prescription medicine used for gout, high uric acid, uric acid kidney stones and high uric acid during cancer treatment. In Pakistan it is available as tablets, made by 4 different manufacturers. On this page you can read how it works, its common side effects and precautions, and compare the brands and prices available at Medimart.

How Allopurinol works

Allopurinol blocks xanthine oxidase, the enzyme the body uses to turn purines into uric acid. With less uric acid being made, existing crystals in the joints slowly dissolve and new ones are less likely to form, reducing gout attacks over time.

What is Allopurinol used for?

• Gout
• High uric acid
• Uric acid kidney stones
• High uric acid during cancer treatment

Allopurinol is a long-term treatment used to prevent gout attacks by lowering the level of uric acid in the blood. It also helps prevent certain kidney stones and protects the kidneys from high uric acid during some cancer treatments. It does not relieve the pain of a gout attack that has already started, so a separate medicine is used for flare-ups.

Side effects of Allopurinol

Most people tolerate Allopurinol well, although some notice:

• Skin rash
• Nausea or diarrhoea
• Gout flares in the first few months
• Headache
• Drowsiness

Stop taking it and seek medical help immediately if you develop any skin rash, especially with fever, blistering, peeling skin, mouth ulcers or swollen glands, as these can be signs of a rare but serious reaction.

Precautions and warnings

• Tell your doctor if you have kidney or liver disease, as the dose may need adjusting.
• Gout attacks may happen more often in the first months, so keep taking it during a flare unless told otherwise; your doctor may prescribe another medicine to prevent flares.
• It interacts with azathioprine and mercaptopurine, which can be dangerous, as well as with warfarin and some other medicines, so tell your doctor everything you take.
• Drink plenty of water, and limit alcohol and foods high in purines such as red meat and organ meat.
• If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, use it only on medical advice.

Frequently asked questions about Allopurinol

What is the price of Allopurinol in Pakistan?

At Medimart, Allopurinol products currently in stock range from Rs 66 to Rs 358 per pack, depending on the brand, strength and pack size. The lowest-priced option right now is Allopure 300mg Tablet at Rs 66. Prices are updated regularly, so the product list on this page always shows the latest price.

Which brands of Allopurinol are available in Pakistan?

Allopurinol is sold in Pakistan under brand names such as Zyloric (Glaxo Smithkline Ltd), Zynol (Pharmadic), Agout (Mega) and Allopure (Zeb).

Do I need a prescription for Allopurinol?

Yes. Allopurinol is a prescription medicine in Pakistan. Use it only when a doctor has prescribed it, at the dose and for the time they advise.

Can Allopurinol be used during pregnancy?

If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, use it only on medical advice.

Are all Allopurinol brands the same?

Brands that contain the same amount of Allopurinol in the same form are expected to work in the same way, although inactive ingredients, pack sizes and prices differ. Ask your doctor or pharmacist before switching from one brand to another.

Allopurinol brands and prices in Pakistan

Medimart lists 6 products containing Allopurinol from different manufacturers. Compare strengths, pack sizes and prices below and order online with cash on delivery.

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