PTCE Top 200 · #45

Allopurinol

Zyloprim

Allopurinol is the generic name for the brand-name drug Zyloprim. It is a xanthine oxidase inhibitor (gout) used to treat chronic gout. On the PTCE Top 200 drug list, Allopurinol ranks #45 and is one of the most frequently tested metabolic/rheumatology medications — commonly quizzed on its brand–generic pair, drug class, and key side effects.

Generic nameAllopurinol
Brand name(s)Zyloprim
Drug classXanthine oxidase inhibitor (gout)
Class groupMetabolic/Rheumatology
Common usechronic gout
DEA scheduleUnscheduled
AvailabilityPrescription only (Rx)

What is Allopurinol used for?

• Gout: reduce serum urate levels and prevent gout flares (after initial prophylaxis considerations). • Management of hyperuricemia associated with chemotherapy or disorders with urate overproduction. • Recurrent kidney stones due to high uric acid.

What drug class is Allopurinol?

Allopurinol is a Xanthine oxidase inhibitor (gout) in the Metabolic/Rheumatology group. Knowing the class is the fastest way to predict its uses, side effects, and the brand↔generic pairs the PTCE tests.

Common side effects of Allopurinol

Major interactions

Is Allopurinol a controlled substance?

No. Allopurinol is not a federally controlled substance (it is unscheduled by the DEA).

How to remember Allopurinol (PTCE mnemonic)

ALLO-purinol ALLOws less uric acid — XO inhibitor for chronic gout (NOT acute flares). STOP for rash → Stevens-Johnson; ↑warfarin/6-MP.
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PTCE exam tip

Allopurinol PREVENTS gout long-term — it does not treat an acute attack, and starting it during a flare can worsen it (a favorite exam trap).

Allopurinol FAQ

What is the brand name for Allopurinol?

The brand name for Allopurinol is Zyloprim.

What is Allopurinol used for?

Allopurinol is used to treat chronic gout. • Gout: reduce serum urate levels and prevent gout flares (after initial prophylaxis considerations). • Management of hyperuricemia associated with chemotherapy or disorders with urate overproduction. • Recurrent kidney stones due to high uric acid.

What drug class is Allopurinol?

Allopurinol is a Xanthine oxidase inhibitor (gout) (Metabolic/Rheumatology group).

Is Allopurinol a controlled substance?

No. Allopurinol is not a federally controlled substance (it is unscheduled by the DEA).

Drill Allopurinol the way the PTCE asks it

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Last reviewed June 25, 2026. Educational use only — not medical advice. Verify clinical specifics with your pharmacist or a current label source such as DailyMed. RxReflex is not affiliated with or endorsed by the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB).