Allopurinol is the one from so called uric acid lowering medications. Deposition of the uric acid crystals is responsible for the attacks of a gout.

You may have more gout attacks for a few months after you start taking this drug, so at the initiation it is usually given with colchicine or NSAID. The daily dose of allopurinol ranges from 100 to occasionally up to 800 mg per day. It is given through the mouth.

Its dose should be adjusted with kidney dysfunction.

Common side effects:

• upset stomach
• diarrhea

Rare side effects are:

• liver dysfunction that can present with dark urine, feeling tired, not hungry, upset stomach or stomach pain, light-colored stools, throwing up, or yellow skin or eyes
• burning, numbness, or tingling
• decreased cell counts
• joint pain
• muscle pain or weakness
• skin reaction (red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin (with or without fever); red or irritated eyes; or sores in your mouth, throat, nose, or eyes)

Talk to your pharmacist about other medications you take since it may interact with allopurinol. Pharmacist will advise you on full list of the side effects.