Allopurinol

• Take 300mg allopurinol by mouth, usually once daily .
• Take a zyloprim dose after a meal to reduce stomach upset.
• If your dose is more than 300 milligrams a day, you will need to take several smaller doses during the day to get this amount.
• Zyloprim dose is based on your medical condition and response to treatment.

It is best to drink a full glass of water with each dose and at least 8 more glasses (8 ounces each) of fluid a day. If your doctor has directed you to drink less fluid for other medical reasons, consult your doctor for further instructions. Your doctor may also instruct you on how to decrease acid in your urine (e.g., avoiding large amounts of ascorbic acid/vitamin C).

 Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, take it at the same time(s) each day.

How to use for gout treatment

For the treatment of gout, it may take up to several weeks for this medicine to have an effect. You may have more gout attacks for several months after starting this medicine while the body removes extra uric acid. Allopurinol is not a pain reliever. To relieve pain from gout, continue to take your prescribed medicines for gout attacks (e.g., colchicine, ibuprofen, indomethacin) as directed by your doctor.

Tell your doctor if your condition persists or worsens.

• Stomach upset
• nausea
• diarrhea
• drowsiness

If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.

Remember that your doctor has prescribed 300mg allopurinol because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of allopurinol side effect. Many people using zyloprim allopurinol do not have serious side effects.

Some serious side effects

Tell your doctor right away if any of these rare but very serious side effects occur:

• numbness/tingling of arms/legs
• easy bleeding/bruising
• unusual tiredness
• signs of kidney problems
• yellowing eyes/skin
• severe stomach/abdominal pain
• persistent nausea/vomiting
• dark urine
• unusual weight loss
• eye pain
• vision changes

300mg allopurinol can commonly cause a rash that is usually not serious. However, you may not be able to tell it apart from a rare rash that could be a sign of a severe reaction. Get medical help right away if you develop any rash.

A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away.

1. Before taking Zyloprim allopurinol, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it
2. Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history
3. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs alertness until you can do it safely.
4. Limit alcoholic beverages.

Kidney function declines as you grow older. This medication is removed by the kidneys. Therefore, older adults may be at greater risk for allopurinol side effect while using this drug.

During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.

Allopurinol passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.

Store at room temperature away from light and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medications away from children and pets.

Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company.

Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (such as prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor’s approval.

Some products that may interact with this drug are: “blood thinners” (e.g., warfarin), capecitabine, didanosine.