Allopurinol

Drug Name

Allopurinol

Drug Uses

Allopurinol is used for treating gout. It is used to treat high uric acid levels in the blood or urine caused by certain types of cancer chemotherapy. It is used to treat high uric acid levels in the blood or urine caused by certain types of cancer chemotherapy. Allopurinol is also used to treat certain patients with calcium oxalate kidney stones and high amounts of uric acid in the urine. It may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor.

How Taken

Use Allopurinol as directed by your doctor.

• Take Allopurinol by mouth after meals to decrease stomach upset.
• Drinking extra fluids while you are taking Allopurinol is recommended. Check with your doctor for instructions.
• Continue to take Allopurinol even if you feel well. Do not miss any doses.

Drug Class and Mechanism

Allopurinol is a xanthine oxidase inhibitor. It works by lowering the body's production of uric acid.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose of Allopurinol and are using it regularly, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.

Storage

Store Allopurinol between 68 and 77 degrees F (20 and 25 degrees C). Brief storage at temperatures between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 and 30 degrees C) is permitted. Store away from heat, moisture, and light. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep Allopurinol out of the reach of children and away from pets.

Warnings/Precautions

Do not use Allopurinol if:

• you are allergic to any ingredient in Allopurinol.

• Allopurinol may cause drowsiness. This effect may be worse if you take it with alcohol or certain medicines. Use Allopurinol with caution. Do not drive or perform other possibly unsafe tasks until you know how you react to it.
• You may experience an increase in gout attacks for several months after you begin taking Allopurinol . Your doctor may give you another medicine (colchicine) to help decrease these gout attacks. Contact your doctor if you experience frequent or severe gout attacks.
• It may take 2 to 6 weeks to receive the full benefit of Allopurinol.
• Allopurinol is not useful for relieving an acute gout attack.
• Follow the diet and exercise program given to you by your health care provider.
• Lab tests, including uric acid levels and kidney and liver function, may be performed while you use Allopurinol . These tests may be used to monitor your condition or check for side effects. Be sure to keep all doctor and lab appointments.
• Pregnancy and breast-feeding: If you become pregnant, contact your doctor. You will need to discuss the benefits and risks of using Allopurinol while you are pregnant. Allopurinol is found in breast milk. If you are or will be breast-feeding while you use Allopurinol, check with your doctor. Discuss any possible risks to your baby.

Possible Side Effects

Check with your doctor if any of these most common side effects persist or become bothersome:

• diarrhea; nausea.

• severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); blood in urine or painful urination; dark urine; fever, chills, or sore throat; irritation of the eyes; joint pain; loss of appetite; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin; stomach pain; unexplained weight loss; unusual bruising or bleeding; unusual muscle pain or weakness; yellowing of the skin or eyes.

More Information

If you have any questions about Allopurinol, please talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
Allopurinol is to be used only by the patient for whom it is prescribed. Do not share it with other people.