General Information and Indications:
Allopurinol is used to treat gout, high levels
of uric acid in the body caused by certain cancer medications, and kidney
stones. Allopurinol is in a class of medications called xanthine oxidase
inhibitors. It works by reducing the production of uric acid in the body.
High levels of uric acid may cause gout attacks or kidney stones.
Allopurinol is used to prevent gout attacks, not to treat them once they
occur.
Information For Users:
Allopurinol comes as a tablet to take by mouth. It is
usually taken once or twice a day, preferably after a meal. To help you
remember to take allopurinol, take it around the same time every day. Follow
the directions on your prescription label, ask your doctor or pharmacist If
you have any questions. Take allopurinol exactly as directed. Do not take
more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your health care
provider.
Your doctor will probably start you on a low dose of allopurinol and slowly
increase your dose, not more than once a week.
It may take several months or longer before you feel the full benefit of
allopurinol. Allopurinol may increase the number of gout attacks during the
first few months that you take it, although it will eventually prevent
attacks. Your doctor may prescribe another medication such as colchicine to
prevent gout attacks for the first few months you take allopurinol. Continue
taking allopurinol even if you feel well. Do not discontinue taking
allopurinol without informing your doctor.
Other uses for this medicine
Allopurinol is also sometimes used to treat seizures, pain caused by
pancreas disease, and certain infections. It is also sometimes used to
improve survival after bypass surgery, to reduce ulcer relapses, and to
prevent rejection of kidney transplants. Talk to your doctor about the
possible risks of using this medication for your condition.
special precautions:
o Inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have
allergy to allopurinol or any other medications.
o Inform your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription
medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are
taking. Be sure to mention any of the following: amoxicillin (Amoxil, Trimox);
ampicillin (Polycillin, Principen); anticoagulants ('blood thinners') such
as warfarin (Coumadin); cancer chemotherapy drugs such as cyclophosphamide (Cytoxan)
and mercaptopurine (Purinethol); chlorpropamide (Diabinese); diuretics
('water pills'); medications that suppress the immune system such as
azathioprine (Imuran) and cyclosporine (Neoral, Sandimmune); other
medications for gout such as probenecid (Benemid) and sulfinpyrazone (Anturane);
and tolbutamide (Orinase). Your doctor may need to change the doses of your
medications or monitor you carefully for side effects.
o inform your doctor if you are breast-feeding kidney or liver disease or
heart failure.
o Inform your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are
breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking allopurinol, call your
doctor.
o you should know that allopurinol may make you drowsy. Do not drive a car
or operate machinery until you know how this medication affects you.
o ask your doctor about the safe use of alcoholic beverages while you are
taking allopurinol. Alcohol may decrease the effectiveness of allopurinol.
Drink at least eight glasses of water or other fluids each day while taking
allopurinol unless directed to do otherwise by your doctor.
Possible Adverse
Effects:
Allopurinol may cause adverse effects. Inform
your doctor if any of the following symptoms are severe or do not go away:
o upset stomach
o diarrhea
o drowsiness
Some adverse effects could be serious. The following symptoms are uncommon,
but if you experience any of them, call your doctor without delay:
o skin rash
o painful urination
o blood in the urine
o irritation of the eyes
o swelling of the lips or mouth
o fever, sore throat, chills, and other signs of infection
o loss of appetite (anorexia)
o unexpected weight loss
o itching
Brand Name(s):
o Aloprim®
o Zyloprim® |
