MedicineNet.com
MedicineNet home Picture Slideshows Diseases and conditions Symptoms and signs Procedures and tests Medications Health and Living Health news and views MedTerms medical dictionary
Font Size
A
A
A
Disclaimer



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.


Printer-Friendly Format  |  Email to a Friend


Suggested Reading by Our Doctors
MedicineNet Doctors
  • Chemotherapy - Explains chemotherapy, a drug treatment to kill cancer cells. Article includes descriptions, uses, and side effects, and care support.
  • Gout - Gout and hyperuricemia are caused by uric acid crystals building up in the body. Read how diet changes--avoiding alcohol and high purine foods--prevent painful attacks and gout pain.
  • Chemotherapy Treatment for Breast Cancer - Consumer medical information about chemotherapy for the treatment of breast cancer, includes potential side effects.

Latest Medical News


Back to Medications Index

copyright


Women's Health

Find out what women really need.




Symptoms & Signs A-Z List Pinpoint Your Symptoms - Start Now Symptoms & Signs A-Z List Symptoms & Signs by Female Body Region Symptoms & Signs by Male Body Region

Topics Related to allopurinol, Zyloprim, Aloprim








For a Better Understanding
ALLOPURINOL-ORAL Related Articles







Health categories:

Slideshows | Diseases & Conditions | Symptoms & Signs | Procedures & Tests | Medications | Health & Living | News & Views | Medical Dictionary

Popular health centers:

Allergies | Arthritis | Cancer | Diabetes | Digestion | Healthy Kids | Heart | Men's Health | Mental Health | Women's Health | More...

Publications:

ePublications (PDFs) | XML News via RSS | Audio Podcasts | Email Newsletters

MedicineNet.com:

About Us | Privacy Policy | Search Help | Site Map | WebMD® | Medscape® | eMedicine® | eMedicineHealth® | RxList®

This website is certified by Health On the Net Foundation. Click to verify. This site complies to the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information:
verify here.

©1996-2009 MedicineNet, Inc. All rights reserved. Notices and Legal Disclaimer.
MedicineNet does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. See additional information.