Allopurinol: Uses, Side Effects and Precautions
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.
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Get A Second OpinionSide 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.
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Book an AppointmentAllopurinol 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. |
