Allopurinol

Allopurinol is the generic name of the drugs which are formulated to treat the various conditions associated with high levels of uric acid, particularly chronic gout. Although this white, powdery medication does not lessen acute gout attacks, it is still considered useful in the prevention of its recurrence. In fact, the drug has been widely used in the country since 1964.

Allopurinol is prescribed to patients who are suffering recurrent attacks of gout, lumps or deposits of uric acid, uric acid stones, gouty joint disease, or gouty kidney disease. The drug is likewise used in the prevention of heightened blood uric acid levels among patients who are being treated for cancer through chemotherapy.

Allopurinol comes in tablet form and is meant to be taken orally. Generally, the medication is taken once or two times daily, preferably after having a meal. Most often, doctors recommend that the medication be taken about the same time each day. The directions on the prescription should be followed carefully. Patients are highly discouraged from taking a different dosage, or using the drug longer than prescribed. Your health care professional may start giving you a small dose of allopurinol and may just increase it eventually.

Patients may not feel the optimum benefits of the medication until after several months. Further, it may even increase the frequency of gout attacks in the initial few months of using the drug. Sooner though, allopurinol will work to prevent the occurrence of such attacks. In some cases, another drug may be prescribed in order to stop the gout attacks as a result of taking allopurinol. The use of allopurinol should be continued, regardless if the patient feels well, unless otherwise advised by the doctor.

Before using the drug, patients should inform their health care professionals of they have drug or food allergies. It is also essential that doctors are aware of any prescription or over-the-counter drug, herbal products, natural supplements, and vitamins, which their patients may be taking. Certain health conditions, such as heart failure, or liver and kidney disease should be made known to the doctors as well. Breastfeeding mothers, pregnant women, as well as those who want to become pregnant should talk to their doctors before using allopurinol. Since the drug can cause drowsiness, patients should avoid or take extra precautions when driving or operating machineries. Moreover, alcohol is believed to reduce the efficiency of the medication. Hence, drinking alcohol along with the use of allopurinol should be consulted with the doctor.

There are two brand names under generic allopurinol – Zyloprim and Aloprim. Adverse effects have been associated with the use of the said drugs. Minor and common allopurinol side effects include: drowsiness, upset stomach, and diarrhea.

There are more severe side effects experienced by some patients as well. Some of which are: fever, chills, and symptoms of infection; skin rash; weight loss; pain when urinating; loss of appetite; itching; eye irritation; swelling of mouth or lips; and blood in urine. These side effects should be reported immediately to the doctor.

Those who missed a dose may take it when they remember it. If the next dose is supposed to be taken in at about the same time, do not take the missed dose, but follow regular schedule instead. Double doses should not make up for a skipped or missed dose.

Doctors usually recommend patients to drink not less than 8 glasses of fluids or water while on allopurinol. The drug may be effective in the treatment of the specified medical conditions, but like all other drugs, its efficiency is influenced by how well the patients adhere to the instructions prescribed.