Allopurinol instructions

• Allopurinol uses
• Allopurinol dosage
• Allopurinol side effects
• Warnings & precautions
• Drug interactions
• Missed dose
• Overdose

Today's best Allopurinol offers

Common Brand Names: Aloprim, Zyloprim

Generic Name: Allopurinol

The following product information is not intended to replace the physician's or manufacturer's instructions.

Allopurinol Common Medical Uses :
Allopurinol is used to treat chronic gout (gouty arthritis). This condition is caused by too much uric acid in the blood. This medicine works by causing less uric acid to be produced by the body. Allopurinol will not relieve a gout attack that has already started. Also, it does not cure gout, but it will help prevent gout attacks. However, it works only after you have been taking it regularly for a few months. Allopurinol will help prevent gout attacks only as long as you continue to take it.

How to Use Allopurinol:
Take allopurinol exactly as directed by your doctor. Take each dose with a full glass of water. Also, to reduce the risk that kidney stones will form, drink 8 to 10 full glasses (8-ounce glasses) of fluid every day, unless your doctor directs otherwise. Take allopurinol with food or milk to lessen stomach upset. 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 to take allopurinol even if you feel well. Do not stop taking allopurinol without talking to your doctor.

Allopurinol Possible Side Effects:
Allopurinol may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:

• upset stomach
• diarrhea
• headache, dizziness, or drowsiness
• an acute attack of gouty arthritis

Some side effects can be serious. The following symptoms are uncommon, but if you experience any of them, call your doctor as soon as possible:

• an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of your throat; swelling of your lips, tongue, or face; or hives)
• skin rash
• blood in your urine or pain when you urinate
• irritation of the eyes
• swelling of the lips or mouth fever, sore throat, chills, and other signs of infection
• loss of appetite
• unexpected weight loss
• itching

Allopurinol Precautions:
Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. Allopurinol may cause drowsiness. If you experience drowsiness, avoid these activities. Avoid alcohol. It may worsen your condition. Follow your doctor's recommendations about diet.

Before taking Allopurinol, tell your doctor or/and pharmacist:

• if you are allergic to allopurinol or any other medications
• 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.
• if you have or have ever had kidney or liver disease or heart failure.
• if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking allopurinol, call your doctor.

Drug Interactions:
The following drugs and foods may interact with Allopurinol:

• ampicillin (Principen, Omnipen, others)
• amoxicillin (Amoxil, Augmentin, Trimox, Wymox)
• Thiazide diuretics (water pills) (such as hydrochlorothiazide (Hydrodiuril, Hygroton, HCTZ), chlorothiazide (Diuril), chlorthalidone (Thalitone), indapamide (Lozol))
• anticoagulants (blood thinners)
• azathioprine (Imuran)
• mercaptopurine (Purinethol)
• cyclosporine (Sandimmune, Neoral)
• chlorpropamide (Diabinese)
• warfarin (Coumadin)
• theophylline (Theochron, Theolair, Theo-Dur)

Tell your health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including non-prescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products.

Missed Dose:
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the dose you missed and take only your next regularly scheduled dose. Do not take a double dose of this medication.

Overdose:
Seek emergency medical attention.

See also:

• Allopurinol
• How to order Allopurinol online
• Price comparison: Allopurinol 100 mg, Allopurinol 300 mg
• Zyloprim
• How to order Zyloprim online
• Price comparison: Zyloprim 100 mg, Zyloprim 300 mg