Information about Allopurinol (Generic Zyloprim) :


Allopurinol is a xanthine oxidase inhibitor that is used to treat gout. It is taken in order to reduce the production of uric acid in your body. It is may be administered to treat certain patients with calcium oxalate kidney stones and high amounts of uric acid in the urine.

It may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor.

You should not use Allopurinol in case you are allergic to any ingredient in it. In such case it is obligatory to consult with your doctor or health care provider before taking this drug.

Before using Allopurinol:
Before using Allopurinol you should tell your doctor if you have any medical conditions listed below: you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding a baby; you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement; you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances; you have kidney or liver disease, heart problems (eg, congestive heart failure), bone marrow problems, high blood pressure, or diabetes.

Be aware that Allopurinol may interact with some medicines. Consult with your health care provider in case you are taking any other drugs, especially any of the following: amoxicillin or ampicillin because the risk of developing a skin rash may be increased; chlorpropamide because the risk of low blood sugar may be increased; dicumarol or oral anticoagulants (eg, warfarin) because the risk of bleeding may be increased by Allopurinol; thiazide diuretics (eg, hydrochlorothiazide) or uricosurics (eg, probenecid) because they may increase the risk of Allopurinol 's side effects; cyclosporine or thiopurines (eg, azathioprine, mercaptopurine) because the risk of their side effects may be increased by Allopurinol.

It may not be a complete list of all interactions with other drugs. To prevent any complications you should check with your health care provider before you start, stop, or change the dose of any medicine.

How to use Allopurinol:
Take Allopurinol as recommended by your doctor. Allopurinol is a tablet to be taken orally once a day after a meal. It is preferable to drink about eight glasses of water or other fluids during the whole period of taking Allopurinol if only your doctor does not prescribe another.

Do not stop taking Allopurinol even if you feel well. Try not to miss any doses.

In case you miss a dose of Allopurinol, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next intake, skip the missed dose and take it according to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take double doses to catch up.

Important safety information:
Allopurinol usage may lead to dizziness or drowsiness. These effects may be worsened by taking alcohol or certain medicines. Prevent driving or performing any other possibly dangerous actions.

Be aware that you may have an increase in gout attacks for several months after you start using Allopurinol. Your may be given another medicine (colchicine) to decrease these attacks. Consult with your doctor in case you experience frequent or severe gout attacks.

It takes from 2 to 6 weeks to achieve the full benefit of Allopurinol.

You should not take more than prescribed or use for longer than prescribed without medical consultation.

Allopurinol is not effective help to relieve an acute gout attack.

It is recommended to follow the diet and exercise program given to you by your health care provider strictly.

Lab tests, including uric acid levels and kidney and liver function, may be performed while you are using Allopurinol. It is important to control your progress or to check for side effects. Follow all doctor and lab appointments strictly.

PREGNANCY and BREAST-FEEDING:
In case you become pregnant, consult with your doctor and discuss the benefits and risks of taking Allopurinol while pregnancy. It is known that Allopurinol passes into breast milk. In case you are or will be breast-feeding a baby while consult with your doctor and discuss any possible risks to your baby.

Possible side effects of Allopurinol:
You should consult with your doctor in case you have any of side effects especially bothersome listed below: diarrhea; nausea.

Seek emergency immediately in case you have any of these severe side effects: 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.

What is the expiration date of the pills?
This information is mentioned on each blister. The expiration date is 2 years from the date of manufacture.