Allopurinol
Glaxo SmithKline Pharmaceuticals Ltd ,
Cipla Ltd
Zyloric 300 Tablet ,
Zyrik 100mg Tablet
Gout ,
DRUG STATUS
Approvals
US. FDA / uk mhra / ema / pdma
Essential Medicine
WHO / India
Use in Pregnancy
Not Advised / Caution
Pharmaceutical Class
ama / pdma
Summary
Allopurinol is used to treat gout, a condition causing painful swelling and redness in the joints. It is also used to treat high uric acid levels in people undergoing treatments for leukemia, lymphoma, and other cancers.
Allopurinol works by blocking an enzyme that helps produce uric acid, a waste product that can build up in the body and cause gout. By reducing uric acid production, Allopurinol helps lower uric acid levels and prevents the formation of uric acid crystals.
The daily dose of Allopurinol for injection should be between 200 mg/m2/day to 400 mg/m2/day intravenously, up to a maximum of 600 mg/day. This dose can be given all at once or split into equal parts every 6, 8, or 12 hours.
Common side effects include diarrhea, nausea, increased levels of certain enzymes in the blood, and gout attacks. The most serious side effect is a skin rash, which can sometimes be life-threatening.
Allopurinol should be used with caution during pregnancy and breastfeeding. If you get a rash or other allergy symptoms while taking Allopurinol, stop taking it and call your doctor right away. Don't stop taking Allopurinol suddenly as it can lead to a flare-up of gout symptoms.
Indications and Purpose
How does Allopurinol work?
Allopurinol works by inhibiting the enzyme xanthine oxidase, which is responsible for converting purines (from the breakdown of purine-rich foods) into uric acid. By reducing uric acid production, allopurinol helps lower uric acid levels in the blood and prevents the formation of uric acid crystals, which can cause gout attacks and kidney stones.
How does one know if Allopurinol is working?
Therapy for patients should be carefully evaluated at the start and checked regularly. This is done to make sure that the treatment is helping them and that it's worth the risks.
Is Allopurinol effective?
Allopurinol helps lower uric acid levels in the blood of cancer patients who have high uric acid levels. In a study of 718 cancer patients, 68% of those with high uric acid levels had normal levels after taking allopurinol.
What is Allopurinol used for?
Allopurinol is a medicine used to treat gout and a condition where the body makes too much uric acid. Uric acid is a waste product that can build up in the body and cause painful crystals to form in the joints, which can lead to gout. Allopurinol helps to reduce the amount of uric acid in the body by blocking the action of an enzyme that helps to produce uric acid. This can help to prevent gout attacks and reduce pain and inflammation in the joints. Allopurinol can also be used to treat high uric acid levels caused by certain types of cancer treatments.
Directions for Use
How do I take Allopurinol?
To avoid side effects, it's best to take Allopurinol after eating. To protect the kidneys, it is important to drink plenty of fluids, at least 8 cups a day. Aim to keep your urine slightly alkaline, as this helps prevent gout attacks.
How long does it take for Allopurinol to start working?
Allopurinol can take up to 2 to 6 weeks to work its best. This is because it takes time for your body to build up enough of the medicine in your system. During this time, you may still have gout attacks. It's important to take allopurinol as prescribed by your doctor, even if you don't feel better right away. Over time, allopurinol can help prevent gout attacks and improve your overall health.
How should I dispose of Allopurinol?
If you can, bring unused medicines to a drug take-back program or collection site at a pharmacy or hospital. They will dispose of the medicines properly so they don't harm people or the environment. If you can't find a take-back program, you can throw most medicines in the trash at home. But first, take them out of their original containers, mix them with something undesirable like used coffee grounds, seal the mixture in a plastic bag and throw it away.
How should I store Allopurinol?
Keep this medicine at room temperature between 68°F to 77°F (20°C to 25°C). Throw away any unused medicine.
What are the consequences to stopping Allopurinol?
Stopping allopurinol suddenly can lead to a flare-up of gout symptoms, as the drug helps reduce uric acid levels, preventing crystal formation in joints. If discontinued abruptly, uric acid levels may rise again, potentially causing pain and swelling. It is important to consult a doctor before stopping allopurinol to discuss appropriate alternatives or tapering methods.
What is Allopurinol’s dose and duration?
The daily dose of allopurinol for injection should be between 200 mg/m2/day to 400 mg/m2/day intravenously, up to a maximum of 600 mg/day. This dose can be given all at once or split up into equal parts and given every 6, 8, or 12 hours. The infusion rate should be appropriate for the volume of fluid being given.
What should I do if I miss a dose of Allopurinol?
If you occasionally miss a dose of allopurinol, don't worry about it. Just take your regular dose as scheduled. Don't double the dose to make up for the missed one.
Warnings and Precautions
Can Allopurinol be taken safely while breastfeeding?
Allopurinol is excreted in breast milk in small amounts. While there is no conclusive evidence of harm to a breastfeeding infant, caution is advised. The decision to use Allopurinol during breastfeeding should involve a risk-benefit analysis, considering the infant's health and the mother's need for treatment. Consult a healthcare provider before using Allopurinol while breastfeeding.
Can Allopurinol be taken safely while pregnant?
Allopurinol is classified as a Category C drug during pregnancy, meaning that its safety for pregnant women has not been fully established. Animal studies have shown potential harm to the fetus, but there are no well-controlled studies in pregnant women. Allopurinol should only be used during pregnancy if the potential benefits outweigh the risks, and it should be prescribed with caution. Always consult a healthcare provider before using Allopurinol during pregnancy.
Can Allopurinol be taken safely while trying to conceive?
There is limited evidence on the direct effects of Allopurinol on fertility in men and women. Some studies suggest that Allopurinol may improve sperm quality in men with gout, potentially enhancing fertility. However, its effect on female fertility is not well-studied. If fertility concerns arise, it’s important to consult a healthcare provider before starting or stopping Allopurinol.
Can I take Allopurinol with other prescription drugs?
**Skin Rash Risk:** Taking certain drugs together, like bendamustine, diuretics, ampicillin, and amoxicillin, can increase the risk of skin rashes. If you have kidney problems, the risk may be higher when taking diuretics with these drugs. **Cyclosporine Interaction:** Taking cyclosporine with allopurinol can raise cyclosporine levels in your body. **Bone Marrow Suppression:** Allopurinol can increase the effects of cancer drugs like cyclophosphamide and others, leading to a decrease in bone marrow activity. **Chlorpropamide Interaction:** Allopurinol can slow down the breakdown of chlorpropamide, a diabetes medication, in your body. **Dicumarol Interaction:** If you're taking dicumarol, a blood thinner, your doctor should monitor your blood clotting time closely if you start taking allopurinol.
Can I take Allopurinol with vitamins or supplements?
The most significant interactions with vitamins or supplements for people using Allopurinol include the potential increase in the risk of side effects when taken with vitamin C (ascorbic acid) in high doses, as it may increase uric acid excretion. Additionally, taking Allopurinol with folic acid or other B-vitamins may alter its effectiveness in certain conditions, though these interactions are generally less severe. Always consult a healthcare provider before using supplements with Allopurinol.
What are Allopurinol possible harms and risks?
The most common side effects of this medicine include diarrhea, nausea, and increased levels of certain enzymes in the blood. Some people may also experience gout attacks. The most common serious side effect is a skin rash, which can sometimes be life-threatening. In some cases, the rash may be accompanied by fever, chills, joint pain, and yellowing of the skin. Other possible side effects include low white blood cell count or high white blood cell count.
Who should avoid taking Allopurinol?
If you get a rash or other allergy symptoms while taking allopurinol, stop taking it and call your doctor right away. Don't take allopurinol again if you've had a bad allergic reaction to it in the past.
Forms / Brands
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