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Can I take 50 and Allopurinol together?

Drug interaction guide

Taking azathioprine with allopurinol can lead to a dangerous drop in your white blood cell count. This makes you much more likely to pick up serious infections and can cause severe damage to your bone marrow.

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Why this happens

Azathioprine is broken down in the body by an enzyme called xanthine oxidase. Allopurinol blocks this enzyme. When the enzyme is blocked, azathioprine builds up to toxic levels in your blood.

You must speak to your doctor before taking these together. If they are prescribed together, your doctor will usually need to reduce your azathioprine dose to one-quarter (25%) of the usual dose and perform frequent blood tests. Seek medical help immediately if you develop a fever, sore throat, or unusual bruising.

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Taking multiple medicines? Our Medicines Interaction Checker helps you check whether your prescriptions, over-the-counter medicines, and supplements are safe to take together. Simply search for your medicines to see potential interactions and what to do about them.

Disclaimer

This information is for general educational purposes only and should not be relied upon as a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult your GP, pharmacist, or another qualified healthcare professional before making decisions about your medications. Individual circumstances may vary, and only a healthcare professional who knows your medical history can provide personalised guidance.

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Article history

The information on this page is written and peer reviewed by qualified clinicians.

  • 12 May 2026 | Originally published
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