The
following information is a summary about Zyloprim. It is
not intended to replace a doctor's instructions.
Zyloprim USES
Zyloprim (Allopurinol) is used to treat chronic gout (gouty
arthritis). This condition is caused by too much uric acid
in the blood. Zyloprim works by causing less uric acid to
be produced by the body.
Zyloprim DIRECTIONS
Zyloprim 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 Zyloprim, 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 Zyloprim 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 Zyloprim. 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 Zyloprim. Continue to take Zyloprim even
if you feel well. Do not stop taking Zyloprim without talking
to your doctor.
Zyloprim SIDE EFFECTS
Zyloprim 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 Zyloprim may cause other
side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems
while taking this medication.
Zyloprim PRECAUTIONS
Before taking Zyloprim, * tell your doctor and pharmacist
if you are allergic to Zyloprim 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 Zyloprim, call your doctor. * you should
know that Zyloprim 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 Zyloprim. Alcohol may decrease the effectiveness
of Zyloprim.
Zyloprim 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.
Zyloprim OVERDOSE
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control
center or emergency room immediately.
Zyloprim NOTES
Drink at least eight glasses of water or other fluids each
day while taking Zyloprim unless directed to do otherwise
by your doctor.
MISSED DOSE
If you miss a dose, use Zyloprim 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.
Zyloprim STORAGE
Store Zyloprim at room temperature between 36 and 77 degrees
F (2 -25 degrees C) away from light and moisture.
