Allopurinol, marketed under brand names such as Zyloprim, is a medication used to lower elevated blood uric acid levels. It is commonly used to prevent gout, certain types of kidney stones, and elevated uric acid levels that may occur as a result of chemotherapy. Allopurinol can be taken orally or inserted into a vein.
Uses of Allopurinol
Gout: Treatment and prevention of gout.
Kidney Stones: Prevention of certain types of kidney stones.
Chemotherapy: Prevention of increased uric acid levels due to the release of uric acid from dying cancer cells during chemotherapy.
How to Use Allopurinol
Dosage: Take orally once a day or as instructed by your doctor.
Stomach Upset: Take after a meal to relieve stomach upset.
Large Dosages: If the daily dosage is more than 300 mg, it should be taken in smaller doses throughout the day (consult your doctor).
Hydration: Drink a full glass of water with each dose and at least 8 additional glasses (8 ounces each) of fluid daily.
Acid Reduction: Your doctor may advise how to reduce acid in your urine.
Consistency: Take at the same time every day to help you remember.
Effectiveness: It may take several weeks to see the effects in treating gout. Continue to take prescribed gout medications for pain relief.
How Allopurinol Works
Reduces the amount of uric acid produced by the body.
Helps prevent uric acid buildup which can cause problems with the gut and kidneys.
Side Effects of Allopurinol
Common Side Effects:
Rash
Nausea
Vomiting
Joint pain
Dizziness
Itching
Sore throat
Severe Side Effects:
Renal failure
Blood disorders
Difficulty breathing
Cardiovascular abnormalities
Cataracts
Confusion
Bruise
Nosebleed
Foot drop
Blood in urine
Liver damage
Decreased muscle tone
Inflammation of the iris in the eye
Kidney function abnormality
Severe vision impairment
Inflammation of the nerves
Precautions While Taking Allopurinol
Allergies: Inform your doctor if you are allergic to allopurinol or have had any reactions to it or other medications.
Medical Conditions: Notify your doctor if you have liver disease, kidney disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, or irregular diets.
Drowsiness: Allopurinol can cause drowsiness. Avoid driving or operating machinery until you know how it affects you.
Alcohol: Alcohol can increase drowsiness and reduce the effectiveness of the medication. Limit alcohol consumption.
Elderly: Older adults may be more susceptible to side effects due to decreased kidney function.
Pregnancy: Use only if urgently needed. Consult your doctor.
Breastfeeding: Allopurinol is present in breast milk. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.
Drug Interactions and Guidelines for Allopurinol
Drug interactions can cause your medications to function differently or increase the risk of severe side effects.
Keep a list of all the medicines you use (including prescription and medications, as well as herbal remedies) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist.
Do not begin, stop, or alter the dosage of any medications without your doctor’s permission.
Blood thinners (warfarin), capecitabine, and didanosine are some of the products that may interfere with this drug.
What to Do If You Miss a Dose?
If you forgot to take any dose, take it as soon as you recall it.
If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the forgotten dose.
Take your next dosage at regular intervals of time.
Do not double the dose.
Overdose
If you or someone has taken too much of this medicine and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble breathing, seek emergency medical help immediately.
Symptoms of overdose can include severe drowsiness, fainting, seizures, and a fast heartbeat.
Notes
Do not share this medication with anyone else, even if they have the same symptoms.
Lab and medical tests such as blood pressure and liver function should be done while you are taking this medication. Consult your doctor for more details and information.
Storage
Store at room temperature away from direct sunlight, heat, and moisture.
Do not store it in the bathroom.
Keep all medications away from small children.
Never flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so.
Properly discard this product when it gets expired or is no longer in use. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company.
Allopurinol vs Colchicine
Allopurinol
Colchicine
Also known Zyloprim
Also known Colcrys
Lowers uric acid levels in the blood, and prevents gout flare-ups.
Prevents and treats gout.
Used for treating Gout, High uric acid in cancer, Recurrent kidney stones
Used for – Gout, Gout prevention, Familial Mediterranean fever, Behcet’s disease, and Inflammation of the heart.
Dosage forms- Injection, Pill
Dosage forms – Pill
Kidney stones can be formed while taking allopurinol, so you need to drink a lot of fluids to help prevent this.
Doses need to be changed if you have kidney or liver problems.
