Allopurinol (generic for Zyloprim) is a prescription medication that reduces uric acid concentrations in your body. Uric acid is a waste product in the blood created when the body breaks down purines. High uric acid levels can cause adverse conditions like gout and kidney stones. Allopurinol is also commonly prescribed to cancer patients, as chemotherapy often elevates uric acid levels.
Removing high levels of uric acid can help your kidneys function better. This medicine is only available with a doctor’s prescription and is taken orally, often once or twice a day. Before taking allopurinol it is important to tell your doctor if you are allergic to allopurinol or other medications, what prescription and nonprescription medicines you are taking, as well as if you have ever had liver disease, cardiovascular disease, or kidney disease, as these may affect the dosage.