Allopurinol: Side Effects, Uses & Monitoring
THIS IS NOT AN INNOCUOUS DRUG.
- Data source
- FDA labeling via NIH DailyMed (label 869e09f7…)
- Label version
- current
- Last reviewed
- 2026
Reported adverse reactions
Reactions listed in current FDA labeling, with the highest frequency reported across summarized placebo-controlled trials.
No structured frequency data available in current labeling. Consult the official label.
Labeled uses (from FDA prescribing information)
THIS IS NOT AN INNOCUOUS DRUG. IT IS NOT RECOMMENDED FOR THE TREATMENT OF ASYMPTOMATIC HYPERURICEMIA. Allopurinol tablets, USP reduces serum and urinary uric acid concentrations. Its use should be individualized for each patient and requires an understanding of its mode of action and pharmacokinetics (see CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY, CONTRAINDICATIONS, WARNINGS, and PRECAUTIONS). Allopurinol tablets, USP are indicated in: 1) the management of patients with signs and symptoms of primary or secondary gout (acute attacks, tophi, joint destruction, uric acid lithiasis, and/or nephropathy). 2) the management of patients with leukemia, lymphoma and malignancies who are receiving cancer therapy which causes elevations of serum and urinary uric acid levels. Treatment with allopurinol tablets, USP should be discontinued when the potential for overproduction of uric acid is no longer present. 3) the management of patients with recurrent calcium oxalate calculi whose daily uric acid excretion exceeds 800 mg/day in male patients and 750 mg/day in female patients. Therapy in such patients should be carefully assessed initially and reassessed periodically to determine in each case that treatment is be…
Tests providers may use to monitor Allopurinol therapy
Conditions associated with Allopurinol in labeling
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Allopurinol used for?
FDA labeling lists the approved uses shown above under "Labeled uses." This summary is informational; only a qualified prescriber can determine whether a medication is appropriate for you.
What are the most commonly reported side effects of Allopurinol?
Current labeling for this ingredient does not include a structured frequency table that we can reproduce. Review the official label linked below.
Does Allopurinol require lab monitoring?
Labeling and standard practice associate Allopurinol with periodic laboratory monitoring; the tests above are commonly ordered by clinicians to monitor patients on therapy. Your provider decides what is appropriate.
Where does this information come from?
All clinical facts on this page were extracted from the current FDA-registered product labeling for this ingredient, published by manufacturers through NIH DailyMed. See the source link below.
Medical disclaimer: Educational content extracted from public FDA labeling. Not medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before starting, stopping, or changing any medication.