The
following information is a summary about
Allopurinol.
It is not intended to replace a doctor's instructions.
Allopurinol USES
Allopurinol (Zyloprim) is used to treat chronic gout (gouty
arthritis). This condition is caused by too much uric acid
in the blood. Allopurinol works by causing less uric acid
to be produced by the body.
Allopurinol DIRECTIONS
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 carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain
any part you do not understand. Take Allopurinol exactly
as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it
more often than prescribed by your doctor. Your doctor
will probably start you on a low dose of Allopurinol and
gradually 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 to take Allopurinol even if you feel
well. Do not stop taking Allopurinol without talking to
your doctor.
Allopurinol SIDE EFFECTS
Allopurinol Allopurinol may cause side effects. Tell your
doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go
away: * upset stomach * diarrhea * drowsiness Some side
effects can be serious. The following symptoms are uncommon,
but if you experience any of them, call your doctor immediately:
* skin rash * painful urination * blood in the urine *
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
may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have
any unusual problems while taking this medication.
Allopurinol PRECAUTIONS
Before taking Allopurinol, * tell your doctor and pharmacist
if you are allergic to Allopurinol or any other medications.
* tell 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. * tell your doctor if you
have or have ever had kidney or liver disease or heart
failure. * tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to
become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant
while taking Allopurinol, call your doctor. * 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. * ask your doctor about the safe use of alcoholic
beverages while you are taking Allopurinol. Alcohol may
decrease the effectiveness of Allopurinol.
Allopurinol DRUG INTERACTIONS
Tell your doctor of all prescription and nonprescription
meds you may use, especially of: carbamazepine, narcotic
pain relievers (e.g., codeine), drugs used to aid sleep,
antidepressants (e.g., SSRI-types such as fluoxetine or
fluvoxamine), MAO inhibitors (e.g., furazolidone, linezolid,
phenelzine, procarbazine, selegiline, tranylcypromine),
psychiatric medicine (e.g., nefazodone), "triptan"-type
drugs, anti-anxiety drugs (e.g., diazepam), sibutramine.
Also, report use of certain antihistamines (e.g., diphenhydramine)
which are also present in many cough-and-cold products.
Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist
approval.
Allopurinol OVERDOSE
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control
center or emergency room immediately.
Allopurinol NOTES
Drink at least eight glasses of water or other fluids each
day while taking Allopurinol unless directed to do otherwise
by your doctor.
MISSED DOSE
If you miss a dose, use Allopurinol as soon as you remember.
If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed
dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not "double-up" the
dose to catch up.
Allopurinol STORAGE
Store Allopurinol at room temperature between 36 and 77
degrees F (2 -25 degrees C) away from light and moisture.
