Allopurinol belongs to a group of medications called xanthine oxidase inhibitors. It works by blocking an enzyme your body uses to make uric acid. The drug is prescribed to lower uric acid levels in the body to help prevent gout attacks and reduce the risk of certain kidney stones.

Allopurinol is also sometimes prescribed to people undergoing chemotherapy, since cancer treatment can raise uric acid levels.

Allopurinol is most commonly sold as the brand name drug Zyloprim, though it is widely available as a generic medication. Both the brand name medication and generic versions work the same way.

In hospital settings, you might also see it prescribed as Aloprim, an injectable form of allopurinol. It’s typically used when patients cannot take oral allopurinol pills, such as those receiving chemotherapy

No, allopurinol is only available with a prescription from a licensed healthcare provider. Providers on Sesame can write a prescription or refill an existing one during a virtual or in-person visit.

Depending on the medication, you can arrange for same-day pickup at a pharmacy near you. Note that all prescriptions are at the discretion of your health care provider. Providers on Sesame cannot prescribe controlled substances.

You can’t buy allopurinol directly online, but you can meet with a licensed provider through Sesame to see if it’s right for you. If your provider decides it’s appropriate, they can send a prescription to a nearby pharmacy for quick pickup or delivery.

While the medication itself isn’t shipped from the provider, online visits make it faster and easier to start or continue treatment safely, without needing an in-person appointment.

In addition to allopurinol, several other medications can help manage gout, either by preventing attacks or reducing pain and inflammation during flares:

• Febuxostat works like allopurinol by lowering uric acid levels in the blood, making it an option for long-term prevention.
• Colchicine is often used to treat sudden gout attacks and can also help prevent future episodes.
• Naproxen, a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), helps relieve pain and swelling during flares.
• Probenecid works a little differently. It helps your body get rid of uric acid through urine, lowering the amount circulating in your blood.
• For people with severe gout who don’t respond to standard medications, treatments like pegloticase may be considered under close supervision.

Each medication works differently, and your provider may recommend one or a combination depending on your uric acid levels, frequency of attacks, and existing conditions.