Drug Name

Zyloprim (Allopurinol)

Drug Uses

Zyloprim is used for treating gout. It is used to treat high uric acid levels in the blood or urine caused by certain types of cancer chemotherapy. It is also used 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.

How to use

Use Zyloprim as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.
Take Zyloprim by mouth after meals to decrease stomach upset.
Drinking extra fluids while you are taking Zyloprim is recommended. Check with your doctor for instructions. Continue to take Zyloprim even if you feel well. Do not miss any doses.
If you miss a dose of Zyloprim , take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.

Drug Class and Mechanism

Zyloprim is a xanthine oxidase inhibitor. It works by lowering the body's production of uric acid.
Uric acid is a breakdown product of purines in foods. Uric acid forms crystals in the tissues of the body to cause the inflammation of gout. Elevated blood uric acid levels can also cause kidney disease and stones. Allopurinol can be used to prevent uric acid kidney stones and to prevent recurrent gouty arthritis attacks.

Missed Dose

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the dose you missed and take only your next regularly scheduled dose. Do not take a double dose of this medication.

Storage

Store at 15-25 degrees C (59-77 degrees F) in a dry place and protect from light.

Warnings/Precautions

Do NOT use Zyloprim, if you are allergic to any ingredient in Zyloprim.
Some medical conditions may interact with Zyloprim . Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of the following apply to you:

• if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding
• if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement
• if you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances
• if you have kidney or liver disease, heart problems (eg, congestive heart failure), bone marrow problems, high blood pressure, or diabetes.

Some medicines may interact with Zyloprim . Tell your health care provider if you are taking any other medicines, 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 Zyloprim
• Thiazide diuretics (eg, hydrochlorothiazide) or uricosurics (eg, probenecid) because they may increase the risk of Zyloprim 's side effects
• Cyclosporine or thiopurines (eg, azathioprine, mercaptopurine) because the risk of their side effects may be increased by Zyloprim

Possible Side Effects

All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, 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 Zyloprim , please talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
Zyloprim is to be used only by the patient for whom it is prescribed. Do not share it with other people.
If your symptoms do not improve or if they become worse, check with your doctor.