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Can I take Allupurinol and Atenolol together?

Drug interaction guide

There is a potential for these two medicines to interact, which may lead to an increased risk of allergic reactions or a slight change in how your kidneys handle the medication. While most people take this combination without issues, there have been rare reports of serious skin rashes or hypersensitivity reactions when taking allopurinol alongside certain blood pressure medications like atenolol.

You can usually take these medicines together, but you should be vigilant as there is a potential for these two medicines to interact.

Contact your doctor immediately if you develop a skin rash, hives, or any signs of an allergic reaction (such as swelling of the face or difficulty breathing). Your doctor may want to monitor your kidney function with routine blood tests.

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Why this happens

Both allopurinol and atenolol are cleared from the body through the kidneys. It is thought that taking them together might slightly alter how the kidneys process the drugs, or trigger an overactive immune response in sensitive individuals.

How to know if you're having a drug interaction

You may be experiencing an interaction between allupurinol and atenolol if:

  • You feel dizzy, lightheaded, or faint, especially when standing up.

  • You notice unusually slow heart rate or palpitations.

  • You experience tiredness, weakness, or fatigue.

  • You have shortness of breath or swelling in the ankles or feet.

  • You develop rashes, itching, or other allergic-type reactions.

  • Symptoms appear shortly after starting or adjusting the dose of either medicine.

Continue reading below

What you should do

If you have any of the above symptoms, you should:

  • Contact your GP or pharmacist for advice as soon as possible.

  • Do not stop taking allopurinol or atenolol suddenly unless instructed by a healthcare professional.

  • Seek urgent medical help if you experience severe dizziness, fainting, or shortness of breath.

  • Tell your healthcare professional about all other medicines and supplements you are taking.

  • Attend any monitoring or blood tests recommended to check heart rate, blood pressure, or kidney function.

Using other medicines

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.

Article history

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

  • 25 Jan 2026 | Originally published
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