Need emergency help? Call 999 in United Kingdom.

Open local help

Detailed medicine guidance

Who can and cannot take allopurinol

NHS medicines information on who can take allopurinol and who may not be able to take it.

About this information

This NHS content is written for people in England. Medicine names, availability, prescribing and services may differ in other countries.

Who can take allopurinol

Allopurinol can be taken by adults and sometimes children.

Who may not be able to take allopurinol

Allopurinol is not suitable for some people. To make sure it's safe for you, tell your pharmacist or doctor before taking it if you:

  • have ever had an allergic reaction to allopurinol or any other medicine
  • are of Han Chinese, Thai or Korean origin
  • have problems with your liver or kidneys
  • currently have an attack of gout
  • have thyroid problems

View the original NHS website page ↗. Refreshed 19 August 2026.

Licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0 ↗. MyPHU is independent and is not endorsed by the NHS.

More about Allopurinol