GENERIC NAME: ALLOPURINOL - ORAL (al-oh-PURE-in-ohl)
BRAND NAME(S): Zyloprim
Medication Uses | How To Use | Side Effects | Precautions | Drug Interactions | Overdose | Notes | Missed Dose | Storage
USES: Allopurinol is an enzyme blocker that lowers high levels of uric acid in your body by decreasing the amount produced. It is used to treat gout and certain types of kidney stones. This drug is also used to prevent high uric acid levels in patients who receive cancer chemotherapy. Cancer cells that are destroyed with therapy release large amounts of uric acid into the bloodstream
HOW TO USE: Take this medication by mouth usually once daily after a meal to reduce stomach upset, or as directed by your doctor. It is best to drink a full glass of water with each dose and at least another 8 glasses (8 oz. each) a day while taking this drug in order to prevent kidney stones from forming. If you are on restricted fluid intake, consult your doctor for further instructions. Your doctor may also instruct you on how to decrease acidity in your urine (e.g., avoid large amounts of ascorbic acid or Vitamin C). Dosage is based on your medical condition and response to therapy. Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. Remember to take it at the same time each day. For the treatment of gout, it may take up to several weeks for this medicine to have an effect. You may experience an increase in the number of gouty attacks for several weeks to months after starting this medicine while the body rids itself of excess uric acid. Allopurinol is not a pain reliever. To relieve pain, continue to take your prescribed medicines for gouty attacks (e.g., colchicine, ibuprofen, indomethacin) as directed by your doctor.
SIDE EFFECTS: Stomach upset, nausea, diarrhea, unusual taste, acute gouty attacks, or drowsiness may occur as your body adjusts to this medication. If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor or pharmacist promptly. Tell your doctor immediately if any of these highly unlikely but very serious side effects occur: easy bleeding/bruising, signs of infection (e.g., fever, persistent sore throat), change in the amount of urine, yellowing eyes or skin, severe stomach/abdominal pain, persistent nausea/vomiting/lack of appetite, dark urine, unusual tiredness, unusual weight loss. This drug may rarely cause very serious (possibly fatal) allergic reactions. Stop taking allopurinol and seek immediate medical attention if any of these allergic reaction symptoms occur: skin rash, hives, itching, swelling (especially of the lips or mouth), dizziness, pain when urinating, blood in the urine, unusual eye redness/pain, fever and chills, muscle/joint pain, trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
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