U.S. Brand Names

Aloprim®; Zyloprim®

Canadian Brand Names

Alloprin®; Apo-Allopurinol®; Novo-Purol; Zyloprim®

Mexican Brand Names

Atisuril; Etindrax; Genozyl; Puribel 300; Unizuric 300; Zyloprim

Pharmacologic Category

Xanthine Oxidase Inhibitor

What key warnings should I know about before taking this medicine?

• This medicine does not mix well with some medicines. Serious reactions may occur. Check all medicines with healthcare provider.

Reasons not to take this medicine

• If you have an allergy to allopurinol or any other part of this medicine.

• Tell healthcare provider if you are allergic to any medicine. Make sure to tell about the allergy and how it affected you. This includes telling about rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat; or any other symptoms involved.

What is this medicine used for?

• This medicine is used to prevent gouty arthritis.

• This medicine is used to prevent gout attacks. It may take 6 weeks to see the full effect.

• This medicine is used to prevent high uric acid levels during cancer treatment.

• This medicine is used to prevent kidney problems caused by gout.

• This medicine is used to prevent side effects due to fluorouracil.

• This medicine is used to treat kidney stones.

How does it work?

• Allopurinol reduces uric acid production.

How is it best taken?

• Take this medicine after meals.

• Drink plenty of noncaffeine-containing liquid unless told to drink less liquid by healthcare provider.

• A liquid (suspension) is available if you cannot swallow pills. Shake well before use.

• Those who have feeding tubes can also use the liquid. Flush the feeding tube before and after medicine is given.

Injection:

• This medicine is given as a shot into a vein over a period of time.

What do I do if I miss a dose? (does not apply to patients in the hospital)

• Take a missed dose as soon as possible.

• If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your regular schedule.

• Do not take a double dose or extra doses.

• Do not change dose or stop medicine. Talk with healthcare provider.

What are the precautions when taking this medicine?

• If you have kidney disease, talk with healthcare provider.

• If you have liver disease, talk with healthcare provider.

• Check medicines with healthcare provider. This medicine may not mix well with other medicines.

• Do not take antacids within 6 hours of this medicine.

• Avoid alcohol (includes wine, beer, and liquor).

• Tell healthcare provider if you are pregnant or plan on getting pregnant.

• Tell healthcare provider if you are breast-feeding.

What are some possible side effects of this medicine?

• Skin irritation.

• Nausea or vomiting. Small frequent meals, frequent mouth care, sucking hard, sugar-free candy, or chewing sugar-free gum may help.

What should I monitor?

• Change in condition being treated. Is it better, worse, or about the same?

• If you are taking a blood thinner, check blood work (prothrombin time/INR). Talk with healthcare provider.

• Follow up with healthcare provider.

Reasons to call healthcare provider immediately

• If you suspect an overdose, call your local poison control center or emergency department immediately.

• Signs of a life-threatening reaction. These include wheezing; chest tightness; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; fits; or swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat.

• Painful urination or blood in urine.

• Any rash.

• No improvement in condition or feeling worse.

How should I store this medicine?

• Store tablets at room temperature.

• Protect tablets from light.

• Protect tablets from moisture. Do not store in a bathroom or kitchen.

• Store liquid (suspension) in a refrigerator. Throw away any unused portion after 2 weeks.

• The injection will be given to you in a healthcare setting. You will not store it at home.

General statements

• If you have a life-threatening allergy, wear allergy identification at all times.

• Do not share your medicine with others and do not take anyone else's medicine.

• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children and pets.

• Most medicines can be thrown away in household trash after mixing with coffee grounds or kitty litter and sealing in a plastic bag.

• Keep a list of all your medicines (prescription, natural products, supplements, vitamins, over-the-counter) with you. Give this list to healthcare provider (doctor, nurse, nurse practitioner, pharmacist, physician assistant).

• Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or in Canada to Health Canada's Canada Vigilance Program at 1-866-234-2345.

• Talk with healthcare provider before starting any new medicine, including over-the-counter, natural products, or vitamins.

Created: 2006-10-13 10:29:25.0

Modified: 2010-10-08 09:19:46.0

Lexi-PALS^TM © (1977)-(2007) Lexi-Comp, Inc. All rights reserved.