Zyloprim (Allopurinol)
Zyloprim (Allopurinol) Dosage and Side Effects
ZYLOPRIM is the brand name of the drug allopurinol, which is used to treat gout, high levels of uric acid in the body (often caused by certain cancers and cancer treatments), and kidney stones. The medication may also be used to treat seizures, infections, and pain caused by pancreas disease. It is sometimes used to improve survival after bypass surgery, prevent rejection of kidney transplants, or reduce ulcer relapses. ZYLOPRIM is a type of medication called a xanthine oxidase inhibitor. It works by reducing the production of uric acid in the body.
Warnings and Precautions
Your doctor will likely start you on a low dose of ZYLOPRIM and gradually increase it. It may take several months before you feel the full benefits of this medicine. ZYLOPRIM may increase the number of gout attacks you experience during the first few months you take it, but it will eventually prevent the attacks from occurring.
You should tell your doctor if you have any of the following conditions before taking ZYLOPRIM:
- Liver disease
- Kidney disease
- Diabetes
- Congestive heart failure
- High blood pressure
- Are pregnant or breastfeeding
- Are receiving chemotherapy drugs
ZYLOPRIM can decrease the number of blood cells in your body that make blood clot and that help you fight infections, which can make it easier for you to bleed from an injury or get sick when exposed to others who are ill. You should avoid being around people who are sick or have infections while taking this medicine.
See your doctor regularly while taking this drug. Your blood may need to be tested to check your body’s reaction to the medication.
Side Effects
Some less serious side effects of ZYLOPRIM may include:
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Drowsiness
- Headache
- Muscle pain
- Changes in sense or taste
Serious Side Effects of ZYLOPRIM
Call your doctor immediately if you experience any of the following serious side effects:
- Fever, sore throat, and headache with a severe blistering, peeling and red skin rash
- Any sign of skin rash, no matter how mild
- Nausea, upper stomach pain, itching, loss of appetite, weight loss, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice
- Pain or bleeding when urinating
- Urinating less frequently or not at all
- Joint pain or flu symptoms
- Easy bruising, unusual bleeding, or purple or red pinpoint spots under the skin
- Severe tingling, numbness, pain, or muscle weakness
Interactions with this medication
Since other medications may interact with ZYLOPRIM, tell your doctor about all prescription, non-prescription, illegal, recreational, herbal, nutritional, or dietary drugs you are taking, especially:
- Azathioprine (Imuran)
- Chlorpropamide (Diabinese)
- Cyclosporine (Gengraf, Sandimmune, Neoral)
- Mercaptopurine (Purinethol)
- Antibiotics such as ampicillin (Principen, Omnipen, others) or amoxicillin (Amoxil, Augmentin, Trimox, Wymox)
- Blood thinners such as warfarin (Coumadin)
- Diuretics (water pills)
Should I Avoid Any Food, Drink or Activity While Taking ZYLOPRIM?
Avoid drinking alcohol while taking ZYLOPRIM, as it may make your condition worse. ZYLOPRIM may impair your thinking or reaction time, so you should be especially careful when driving or performing any activity that requires you to be alert.
Your doctor may advise you to follow a special diet to help treat your condition.
Proper Use of this medication
The typical adult dose of ZYLOPRIM for gout is:
Initial Dose : 100 to 200 milligrams (mg), once a day.
Maintenance Dose : 200 to 300 mg orally, once a day, for mild gout or 400 to 600 mg a day in divided doses for moderately severe gout.
You should take each dose of ZYLOPRIM with a full glass of water. To reduce the risk of kidney stones forming, you should drink eight to 10 full glasses of fluid every day.
ZYLOPRIM Overdose
If you suspect an overdose, call 911 or contact a poison control center.
Missed Dose of ZYLOPRIM
If you miss a dose of ZYLOPRIM , take it as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next, scheduled dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for the missed dose.
Other related products
The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.