Zyloprim is a brand of allopurinol, a xanthine oxidase inhibitor used to lower uric acid. It is a long-term therapy for gout, tophaceous gout, recurrent uric acid kidney stones, and to prevent hyperuricemia during cancer treatment (tumor lysis syndrome). Zyloprim does not treat acute pain; instead, it helps prevent future flares and complications by reducing urate production. Because the drug can interact with other medicines and has rare but serious safety considerations, medical oversight is essential. This article explains how Zyloprim works, who it’s for, common dosing strategies, safety precautions, side effects, and U.S. prescription rules to help you use it more confidently.
Zyloprim (allopurinol) is a urate-lowering therapy used to reduce the body’s production of uric acid, the key driver behind gout and certain kidney stones. It is prescribed for adults with recurrent gout flares, visible tophi, or erosive joint disease, and for people with chronic hyperuricemia who are at risk of complications. By lowering serum urate, Zyloprim helps dissolve monosodium urate crystals over time, decreasing flare frequency and shrinking tophi.
Beyond gout, Zyloprim is used to prevent uric acid nephrolithiasis (kidney stones) in patients with high urinary uric acid and to mitigate hyperuricemia associated with tumor lysis syndrome in oncology settings. It is not a pain reliever and should be viewed as a long-term disease-modifying therapy, often paired with short-term anti-inflammatory prophylaxis during initiation to prevent flare-ups.
Allopurinol and its active metabolite, oxypurinol, inhibit xanthine oxidase, the enzyme that converts hypoxanthine and xanthine into uric acid. Blocking this pathway lowers serum urate, reduces crystal formation, and allows the body to gradually reabsorb existing urate deposits. Unlike colchicine or NSAIDs, Zyloprim targets the root cause of gout rather than acute inflammation.
Initial dosing for gout often begins at 100 mg once daily, with gradual titration every 2–5 weeks based on serum urate levels and tolerability. Many patients require 300 mg/day; some need higher doses (up to 800 mg/day in divided doses) to reach the guideline-recommended target of serum urate below 6 mg/dL (or below 5 mg/dL in severe tophaceous disease). Slow, stepwise titration helps minimize rash and other adverse effects.
Renal function guides dosing. In chronic kidney disease, clinicians typically start lower (e.g., 50–100 mg/day) and titrate cautiously while monitoring urate and kidney parameters. For tumor lysis syndrome prophylaxis, dosing is often higher (for example, 300–800 mg/day in divided doses), started 2–3 days before chemotherapy, alongside vigorous hydration and urine alkalinization if appropriate. Pediatric dosing for TLS depends on age and weight; a specialist should direct therapy.
Important use tips: Zyloprim can be initiated during a gout flare if anti-inflammatory therapy (colchicine, NSAID, or low-dose steroid) is given concurrently; do not stop Zyloprim during flares. Prophylaxis with low-dose colchicine or an NSAID is usually continued for at least 3–6 months after starting Zyloprim to blunt early flare risk. Take Zyloprim consistently, preferably after meals with water. Do not self-adjust the dose without guidance; periodic lab monitoring (serum urate, kidney and liver tests) helps fine-tune therapy safely.
Serious hypersensitivity reactions can occur with allopurinol, including allopurinol hypersensitivity syndrome (AHS) and severe skin reactions such as Stevens–Johnson syndrome (SJS) and toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN). Early signs may include fever, malaise, rash, facial swelling, mucosal lesions, or liver/kidney abnormalities. Stop the drug and seek urgent care if any red-flag symptoms appear. Risk is higher in certain populations carrying the HLA-B*58:01 allele (notably people of Han Chinese, Thai, or Korean descent, particularly with renal impairment). Genetic screening may be recommended in high-risk groups before starting therapy.
Kidney and liver considerations matter. Because oxypurinol is renally excreted, impaired kidney function can increase drug exposure; clinicians reduce starting doses and titrate slowly, with monitoring. Hepatic dysfunction also warrants caution. If you experience unexplained fatigue, dark urine, right upper abdominal pain, or jaundice, contact a clinician promptly.
Other precautions include a history of severe cutaneous adverse reactions to allopurinol (a permanent contraindication) and concurrent medications with known interactions (e.g., azathioprine). Alcohol can raise uric acid and trigger flares; moderating intake helps outcomes. Adequate hydration and dietary measures (limiting high-purine foods, sugar-sweetened beverages, and fructose) complement pharmacologic therapy. This content is educational and does not replace personalized medical advice.
Zyloprim is contraindicated in patients with previous serious hypersensitivity to allopurinol or oxypurinol, including AHS, SJS, or TEN. It is generally not recommended for asymptomatic hyperuricemia without gout or uric-acid–related complications. Caution or alternative strategies may be required with severe renal or hepatic impairment, and specialized oversight is essential if considering use with azathioprine or 6-mercaptopurine (because of profound interaction risk).
Common adverse effects include rash, itching, mild GI upset (nausea, diarrhea), headache, and drowsiness. Early in treatment, gout flares may become more frequent as tissue urate mobilizes—this is expected and why anti-inflammatory prophylaxis is recommended during initiation.
Less common events may include elevations in liver enzymes, taste changes, and edema. Thiazide diuretics may increase the likelihood of rash or hypersensitivity. If a mild rash occurs, stop the medication and speak with a clinician immediately; a “wait and see” approach is not advised because rashes can evolve quickly.
Rare but serious reactions include allopurinol hypersensitivity syndrome, SJS/TEN, drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS), hepatitis, interstitial nephritis, and bone marrow suppression (manifesting as anemia, leukopenia, or thrombocytopenia). Seek emergency care for rash with fever, mucosal lesions, facial swelling, blistering, severe fatigue, unexplained bruising, or dark urine.
Zyloprim significantly inhibits the metabolism of azathioprine and 6‑mercaptopurine, potentially causing life-threatening toxicity. If used together, the dose of azathioprine or 6‑MP usually must be reduced to about 25% of the original, with close hematologic monitoring; many clinicians avoid the combination altogether when possible. Other interactions include increased levels of theophylline and didanosine; enhanced anticoagulant effect of warfarin; and additive risks with thiazide diuretics for hypersensitivity.
Ampicillin or amoxicillin coadministration is associated with a higher rate of rash; consider alternative antibiotics if feasible. Aluminum hydroxide antacids may reduce allopurinol absorption if taken simultaneously. Cyclosporine levels can rise with allopurinol. Always provide a complete medication list, including OTC products and supplements, so your clinician can check for xanthine oxidase inhibitor interactions and adjust therapy safely.
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember the same day. If it’s close to the time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your regular schedule. Do not double up to “catch up.” Consistency matters for maintaining target serum urate; set reminders or use a pill organizer to help.
Symptoms of overdose may include severe nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, dizziness, drowsiness, or worsening kidney/liver labs. Large overdoses can, rarely, lead to bone marrow suppression. If an overdose is suspected, call emergency services or Poison Control (1-800-222-1222 in the U.S.) right away. Supportive care, aggressive hydration, and, in some cases, hemodialysis may be required under medical supervision.
Store tablets at room temperature in a dry place, away from excess heat and moisture, ideally in the original container with the desiccant. Keep tightly closed, out of reach of children and pets. Do not use past the expiration date, and dispose of unused medication according to local guidance or take-back programs.
In the United States, Zyloprim (allopurinol) is a prescription-only medication. There is no legitimate pathway to buy Zyloprim without prescription. Websites or vendors offering “no‑Rx” allopurinol may be unsafe, counterfeit, or unlawful, and they bypass essential screening for drug interactions, genetic risk (HLA-B*58:01), and kidney function—factors that directly impact safety.
A safer, legal approach is to obtain a proper evaluation and prescription from a licensed clinician. HealthSouth Rehabilitation Hospital of Tallahassee can help coordinate a structured, compliant route to care: you can be assessed by qualified professionals, have necessary labs ordered, and—if appropriate—receive a prescription that any legitimate pharmacy can fill. This preserves patient safety while providing the convenience people often seek when searching for ways to buy Zyloprim without prescription.
If you are managing gout, hyperuricemia, or uric acid kidney stones, ask about coordinated services, including telehealth consultations, medication management, and follow-up monitoring to reach target serum urate. Avoid vendors promising shortcuts, and choose accredited U.S. pathways that verify identity, provide counseling, and ensure continuous monitoring—key elements for safe, effective use of Zyloprim.
1 Zyloprim is a brand name for allopurinol, a xanthine oxidase inhibitor that lowers uric acid levels in the blood. It’s used to prevent gout attacks, shrink tophi, reduce recurrent uric acid kidney stones, and manage hyperuricemia associated with cancer treatment (tumor lysis syndrome).
2 Zyloprim blocks xanthine oxidase, the enzyme that converts hypoxanthine and xanthine into uric acid. By reducing uric acid production, it helps dissolve existing urate deposits over time and prevents new crystals from forming.
3 Zyloprim treats chronic gout, tophaceous gout, recurrent uric acid kidney stones, and persistent hyperuricemia. It’s also used to prevent uric acid spikes during chemotherapy (tumor lysis syndrome) and in certain rare enzyme disorders that cause overproduction of uric acid.
4 No. Zyloprim is for long-term urate lowering, not for immediate pain relief. During a flare, use anti-inflammatory medications as directed. If you’re already on Zyloprim, do not stop it during a gout attack unless your clinician tells you to.
5 Take Zyloprim once daily, ideally after a meal to reduce stomach upset, and drink plenty of fluids. Start low and titrate up under medical supervision to reach a target serum urate, usually below 6 mg/dL (below 5 mg/dL for severe tophi). Do not abruptly stop unless advised.
6 A common starting dose is 100 mg daily (lower, such as 50 mg, in advanced kidney disease), then increased every 2–5 weeks to reach the urate goal. Many people need 300–400 mg/day; some require higher doses up to 800 mg/day, divided if needed. Dosing is individualized.
7 Common effects include rash, nausea, diarrhea, and drowsiness. Rare but serious reactions include severe skin reactions (SJS/TEN), allopurinol hypersensitivity syndrome (fever, rash, liver and kidney injury, blood abnormalities), liver inflammation, and bone marrow suppression. Seek urgent care for any rash, fever, mouth sores, facial swelling, or flu-like symptoms.
8 Risk is higher in people with chronic kidney disease, those starting at high doses, and carriers of the HLA-B*58:01 allele (more common in Han Chinese, Thai, Korean, and some Black populations). Thiazide diuretics may increase risk. Genetic testing for HLA-B*58:01 is recommended before starting in high-risk groups.
9 Before and during therapy, clinicians typically monitor serum urate, kidney function, and liver enzymes. Urate is checked every few weeks during dose titration, then periodically. Consider HLA-B*58:01 testing in at-risk individuals before starting therapy.
10 Yes. Rapid changes in urate can precipitate flares early on. Prophylaxis with low-dose colchicine or an NSAID is usually recommended for at least 3–6 months when beginning or increasing Zyloprim.
11 It lowers uric acid within days, but clinical benefits—fewer flares and shrinking tophi—often take weeks to months. Consistent daily use is key.
12 Zyloprim can dangerously increase levels of azathioprine and 6-mercaptopurine; these doses typically must be reduced to about 25% or avoided with close monitoring. It may enhance warfarin’s effect (monitor INR), raise theophylline and didanosine levels, and increase rash risk with ampicillin/amoxicillin. Thiazide diuretics can raise hypersensitivity risk. Separate aluminum hydroxide antacids by several hours.
13 Limit alcohol (especially beer and spirits), high-purine foods (organ meats, certain seafood), and high-fructose corn syrup; maintain a healthy weight; stay well hydrated; and consider vitamin C if appropriate. Diet complements, but does not replace, urate-lowering therapy.
14 Data are limited. Use in pregnancy is considered when benefits outweigh risks; discuss timing and alternatives with your clinician. Small amounts pass into breast milk; many experts consider it compatible with breastfeeding with infant monitoring, but individual risk–benefit assessment is essential.
15 If you miss a dose, take it when remembered unless it’s close to the next dose—don’t double up. In case of overdose or severe symptoms (dizziness, vomiting, severe rash), seek urgent medical attention.
16 Yes. Zyloprim is a brand of allopurinol. Generic allopurinol contains the same active ingredient and is considered therapeutically equivalent when sourced from reputable manufacturers.
17 At fixed doses, febuxostat can lower serum urate a bit more, but when allopurinol is properly titrated to target, both achieve urate goals in most patients. Allopurinol is guideline-preferred first-line due to long-term experience and cost-effectiveness.
18 In a large trial of patients with cardiovascular disease, febuxostat was linked to higher cardiovascular and all-cause mortality compared with allopurinol, leading to a boxed warning in the U.S. A later European study did not confirm excess risk, but the warning remains. Allopurinol is generally preferred for patients with known cardiovascular disease unless not tolerated.
19 Both can be used in CKD. Allopurinol should be started at a low dose and carefully titrated; guideline-based treat-to-target use is safe and effective even in advanced CKD. Febuxostat requires less renal dose adjustment, but choice should consider cardiovascular risk, cost, and tolerance.
20 Zyloprim reduces uric acid production (xanthine oxidase inhibitor). Probenecid increases uric acid excretion (uricosuric). Probenecid works best when kidney function is good and is less effective in CKD; it may increase kidney stone risk. Allopurinol is usually first-line; probenecid is an option if xanthine oxidase inhibitors are inadequate or not tolerated.
21 For uric acid stones, Zyloprim can help by lowering uric acid production. Probenecid can raise urinary uric acid and increase stone risk, so it’s generally avoided in people with a history of uric acid nephrolithiasis. Adequate hydration and urine alkalinization are important regardless of therapy.
22 Lesinurad is a uricosuric approved only as add-on to a xanthine oxidase inhibitor; it was withdrawn from the U.S. market for commercial reasons and had renal safety concerns when used alone. Zyloprim remains a first-line oral option with broad availability and long-term data.
23 Benzbromarone is a potent uricosuric effective even in CKD, but it’s unavailable in many countries due to risk of serious liver toxicity. Where available, it may be considered when xanthine oxidase inhibitors are unsuitable, with careful liver monitoring. Zyloprim is preferred where benzbromarone is not accessible or contraindicated.
24 Both are xanthine oxidase inhibitors; topiroxostat is available in Japan and some regions but not widely elsewhere. Clinical goals and monitoring are similar. Zyloprim (allopurinol) has global availability and extensive safety experience.
25 Zyloprim is an oral first-line therapy for most people with gout. Pegloticase is an IV uricase enzyme used for severe, refractory gout unresponsive to oral agents; it rapidly lowers urate and shrinks tophi but is expensive and carries infusion and immunogenicity risks, often mitigated by co-therapy with immunomodulators like methotrexate.
26 Yes. Combining a xanthine oxidase inhibitor (like allopurinol) with a uricosuric (like probenecid) can help reach target urate when monotherapy falls short. This approach requires attention to hydration, kidney function, and drug interaction profiles.
27 For high-risk tumor lysis syndrome, rasburicase (an IV uricase) rapidly breaks down existing uric acid and is preferred for immediate control, but it’s contraindicated in G6PD deficiency. Zyloprim prevents new uric acid formation and is often used for lower-risk prophylaxis or when rasburicase is not available or appropriate.
28 Generic allopurinol is typically far less expensive than febuxostat and, when titrated to target serum urate, provides comparable clinical outcomes for most patients. This cost advantage, plus long-term safety experience, underpins guideline preference for allopurinol as first-line therapy.