What Is Allopurinol (Zyloprim)?
The medication may also be used to treat seizures, infections, and pain caused by pancreas disease. It is sometimes used to improve survival after bypass surgery, prevent rejection of kidney transplants, or reduce ulcer relapses.
Allopurinol is a type of medication called a xanthine oxidase inhibitor. It works by reducing the production of uric acid in the body. It comes in the form of an oral tablet.
Allopurinol (Zyloprim) Warnings
Your doctor will likely start you on a low dose of allopurinol and gradually increase it. It may take several months before you feel the full benefits of this medicine. Allopurinol may increase the number of gout attacks you experience during the first few months you take it, but it will eventually prevent the attacks from occurring.You should tell your doctor if you have any of the following conditions before taking allopurinol:
- Liver disease
- Kidney disease
- Diabetes
- Congestive heart failure
- High blood pressure
- Are pregnant or breastfeeding
- Are receiving chemotherapy drugs
See your doctor regularly while taking this drug. Your blood may need to be tested to check your body’s reaction to the medication.
Allopurinol (Zyloprim) Side Effects
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Drowsiness
- Headache
- Muscle pain
- Changes in sense or taste
Serious Side Effects of Allopurinol (Zyloprim)
Call your doctor immediately if you experience any of the following serious side effects:- Fever, sore throat, and headache with a severe blistering, peeling and red skin rash
- Any sign of skin rash, no matter how mild
- Nausea, upper stomach pain, itching, loss of appetite, weight loss, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice
- Pain or bleeding when urinating
- Urinating less frequently or not at all
- Joint pain or flu symptoms
- Easy bruising, unusual bleeding, or purple or red pinpoint spots under the skin
- Severe tingling, numbness, pain, or muscle weakness
Allopurinol (Zyloprim) Interactions
- Azathioprine (Imuran)
- Chlorpropamide (Diabinese)
- Cyclosporine (Gengraf, Sandimmune, Neoral)
- Mercaptopurine (Purinethol)
- Antibiotics such as ampicillin (Principen, Omnipen, others) or amoxicillin (Amoxil, Augmentin, Trimox, Wymox)
- Blood thinners such as warfarin (Coumadin)
- Diuretics (water pills)
Should I Avoid Any Food, Drink or Activity While Taking Allopurinol (Zyloprim)?
Avoid drinking alcohol while taking allopurinol, as it may make your condition worse. Allopurinol may impair your thinking or reaction time, so you should be especially careful when driving or performing any activity that requires you to be alert.Your doctor may advise you to follow a special diet to help treat your condition.
Allopurinol (Zyloprim) Dosage
Initial Dose : 100 to 200 milligrams (mg), once a day.
Maintenance Dose : 200 to 300 mg orally, once a day, for mild gout or 400 to 600 mg a day in divided doses for moderately severe gout.
You should take each dose of allopurinol with a full glass of water. To reduce the risk of kidney stones forming, you should drink eight to 10 full glasses of fluid every day.
Allopurinol (Zyloprim) Overdose
If you suspect an overdose, call 911 or contact a poison control center at (800) 222-1222.Missed Dose of Allopurinol (Zyloprim)
If you miss a dose of allopurinol, take it as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next, scheduled dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for the missed dose.Allopurinol Pictures
