Zyloprim

Brand Name:Apo-Allopurinol, Novo-Purol

Prescription needed: Yes

What is this drug used for?

Allopurinol is most commonly used to prevent the symptoms of gout from occurring. Gout is a condition that is caused by too much uric acid in the blood (hyperuricemia). Allopurinol works by decreasing the amount of uric acid that the body can produce. Allopurinol can also be used to treat some kidney problems and to prevent high uric acid levels in the blood caused by some medications used for chemotherapy.

Is there any reason not to take this drug?

You should not take this drug if you are allergic to allopurinol. Before taking this medication, tell your doctor specifically if you have or have ever had:
  • problems with your kidney
  • problems with skin rashes

What about possible side effects?

The most common side effects to this medication include:

  • rash, itching, eczema (call your doctor if you develop any of these symptoms)

Less common and possibly severe side effects include:

  • rare cases of hepatitis (inflammation of the liver) have been reported.- call your doctor immediately if you have your skin or eyes turn yellow
  • a condition, called agranulocytosis - very rare, contact your doctor immediately if you experience unexplained sore throat, fever, chills, or other signs of infection
  • nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain
  • worsening of gout symptoms (may happen if it is started too early in an acute attack)
  • problems with the kidney
  • drowsiness
This is not a complete list of side effects. If you are concerned about these or other unusual symptoms while taking this medication, ask your doctor and/or pharmacist for more information and advice.

What if I am taking other drugs?

Always provide your doctor with a list of all other drugs you are taking (including over-the-counter medications and herbal/natural products) as they may interact with and/or change the safety or effectiveness of either drug. Tell your doctor specifically if you are taking any of these drugs as he/she may need to make changes or monitor you more closely:
  • warfarin (may increase the amount of warfarin in the blood and increase the chances for bleeding)
  • amoxicillin/ampicillin, ACE inhibitors (e.g. enalapril, ramipril, lisinopril) – may increase the chances for having skin rash side effects. Check for signs of rash/itching if taking these two together.
  • azathioprine, cyclosporine, mercaptopurine, theophylline (may increase the amount of these drugs in the blood and increase the chances for side effects)
  • antacids (if antacids are still necessary, you need to separate these drugs by at least two hours)
  • hydrochlorothiazide, furosemide (may increase uric acid levels and thus may interfere with how well allopurinol can work to decrease uric acid levels)

Other information:

Lab Tests: Your doctor will likely order blood tests now and then to check that the allopurinol is not affecting your liver. Your doctor will likely order tests to check the amount of uric acid is in your blood to see how well the allopurinol is working.

Other medications for gout: Since allopurinol can only prevent the symptoms of gout, other medications such as colchicine or an anti-inflammatory (e.g. naproxen, indomethacin) may be prescribed to manage the symptoms you are experiencing now and possibly continue until the uric acid levels have decreased.

Children: Can be used but lower doses are necessary.

Seniors: Can be used but lower doses may be necessary.

Pregnancy: Safety not established. Talk to your doctor.

Women who are nursing: This medication passes through to breast milk and could affect the baby. The risk is unknown but likely minimal. Talk to your doctor.

People who drive or operate machinery: Should not do so until they know the impact this drug has on them personally.

Overdose: Significant overdose could result in abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and dizziness. If you experience any unusual reactions or if you seriously exceed the recommended dosage, call your doctor or 911.

Stopping the drug: Always talk to you doctor before you stop taking this drug as symptoms may recur.

If you miss a dose: Take as soon as you remember. If the next dose is due in < 12 hours, then skip this dose and take the next dose at the regular time.

Storage conditions: Closed container; cool, dry location away from excess moisture (not in the bathroom); direct light, always out of reach of children.

Alcohol: Alcohol should be avoided as it can increase the amount of uric acid in the blood and lessen the effects of allopurinol.

Dietary Precautions: Follow the advice of your doctor or dietician; certain drinks/foods may increase your chance of having a gout attack (e.g. beer, red wine, red meat, liver, kidney). You should try to drink extra water during the day (10-12 full glasses/day) unless you are on a fluid restricted diet (e.g. people with heart, kidney, or liver failure). This will help your kidney get rid of the medication and reduce the chances for side effects on the kidney.