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Allopurinol is a xanthine oxidase inhibitor and antioxidant free radical scavenger which facilitates the protection of ischemic organs in part via this mechanism of action. The accumulation of free radicals during ischemia and reperfusion is in great manner overcome by inhibitors of xanthine oxidase and by the development of endogenous antioxidants. The ischemic lesion generates a well-established inflammatory response with the subsequent production of inflammatory molecules characteristically present at the first stages of the injury. Inflammatory cytokines, chemokines, adhesion molecules, and other cellular and molecular compounds are consequently produced as the lesion sets in. Under these conditions, allopurinol diminishes the effect of inflammatory mediators during the ischemic inflammatory response. This study reviews the literature associated with allopurinol and renal ischemia making special emphasis on the best dose and time of administration of allopurinol regarding its protective effect. It also defines the most accepted mechanism of protection on ischemichally damaged kidneys. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]