Category: Arthritis

Drug Uses

Allopurinol is used to treat many symptoms of gout including tophi (collection of uric acid crystals in the tissues, especially around joints), joint destruction, and uric acid stones. It is also used to control the level of uric acid in the blood of cancer patients.

Usage

You must take Allopurinol exactly as prescribed to you. Most doctors start with a low dosage and gradually increase it with time. It is recommended that you drink plenty of fluids while undergoing treatment with Allopurinol. Avoid taking Vitamin C to prevent formation of kidney stones.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose of Allopurinol then take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the one you missed and go back to your regular schedule. But do not take 2 doses at once.

Storage

Store Allopurinol in a cool dark place away from light.

Overdose

There is no detailed information available about an Allopurinol overdose. But like most medications, Allopurinol when taken in excess can have serious consequences. So seek medical attention immediately.

More Information

Attacks of gout may occur in the earlier phase of treatment with Allopurinol. So avoid beer, wine, and purine-rich foods such as anchovies, and liver.

Warnings/Precautions

Do not use Allopurinol if:

you are allergic to any ingredient in Allopurinol.
Contact your doctor or health care provider right away if any of these apply to you.

Important :
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.
Seek medical attention right away if any of these severe side effects occur:

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.