Allopurinol (By mouth)

Introduction

Allopurinol (al-oh-PURE-i-nol)

Treats gout and some kinds of kidney stones. Lowers the amount of uric acid in blood.

Brand Name(s)

Zyloprim

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used

How to Use This Medicine

Tablet, Capsule

• Take this medicine exactly as your doctor ordered.
• Even if you think the medicine is not working, KEEP TAKING THE ALLOPURINOL, even if you are taking other medicines for gout attacks. The attacks should become shorter and less severe after you take allopurinol for several months.
• Drink 10 to 12 full glasses of liquids each day unless directed differently by your doctor.
• You may take the medicine after meals to avoid stomach upset.

If a dose is missed:

• Take as soon as possible except when it is close to the time for your next dose.
• If almost time for next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your regular dosing schedule.
• You should not use two doses at the same time.

How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine

• Store at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.
• Ask your pharmacist, doctor, or health caregiver about the best way to dispose of any outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.
• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children

Drugs and Foods to Avoid

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• Make sure your doctor knows if you are taking blood thinners (such as Coumadin®), diuretics (such as hydrochlorothiazide), ampicillin, amoxicillin, cyclosporine, azathioprine (Imuran®), or mercaptopurine (Purinethol®).
• Avoid taking large doses of vitamin C.
• To help prevent gout attacks, avoid beer, wine, alcoholic drinks, and purine-rich foods, such as anchovies, sardines, liver, kidney, lentils, and sweetbreads.

Warnings While Using This Medicine

• Check with your doctor before taking this medicine if you have diabetes, high blood pressure, heart failure, seizures, kidney disease, liver disease, cancer or other medical problems.
• If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, talk with your doctor before taking this medicine.
• This medicine may make you drowsy. Be careful when driving a car or using machinery.
• Stop using allopurinol and call your doctor right away if you notice a skin rash, pain when you use the bathroom (urinate), blood in your urine, irritation of your eyes, or swelling of your lips or mouth.
• Your doctor may prescribe another medicine, colchicine, when you start using allopurinol. Be sure to get an information sheet about colchicine also.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Burning or peeling of skin
• Chills, fever, or sore throat
• Joint pain or muscle aches
• Nausea and vomiting along with a skin rash
• Skin rash, redness, itching or hives
• Trouble breathing
• Yellow skin or eyes

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Drowsiness
• Headache
• Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088