allopurinol

[ al-uh-pyoor-uh-nawl, -nol ]

noun

, Pharmacology.

1. a substance, C 5 H 4 N 4 O, used primarily in the treatment of chronic gout to decrease the synthesis of uric acid.

allopurinol

/ ˌæləʊˈpjʊərɪˌnɒl /

noun

1. a synthetic drug that reduces blood concentrations of uric acid and is administered orally in the treatment of gout. Formula: C 5 H 4 N 4 O

Word History and Origins

Origin of allopurinol¹

1960–65; apparently allo- + purine + -ol ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of allopurinol¹

C20: from allo- + purine + -ol ¹

Example Sentences

My physician prescribed allopurinol, but it made my kidneys feel like they were on fire.

From Seattle Times

The flare-ups sometimes lasted weeks despite flooding my body with as much water as I could hold, popping a daily crystal-busting allopurinol, and following a prescribed, puzzling diet.

From New York Times

It found that patients on Uloric had a 22 percent higher risk of death from any cause and a 34 percent higher risk of heart-related deaths than patients taking allopurinol, a generic alternative.

From Salon

I discussed this with my internist, who said he could put me on allopurinol or take me off HCTZ.

From Seattle Times

Treating the animals with allopurinol, an inhibitor of purine metabolism, eased the colitis.

From Nature