Review Drug

Generic Name :Zyloprim,Allopurinol bp 100mg/300mg

Brand names Caplenal, Cosuric, Rimapurinol, Xanthomaz, Zyloric, Zyloprim

Used Information

Allopurinol is prescribed as a long-term preventative of recurrent attacks of
gout. It acts by halting the formation in the joints of uric acid crystals,
which cause the inflammation characteristic of gout. It is also employed to
lower high uric acid levels (hyperuricaemia) caused by other drugs, such as
anticancer drugs.

Allopurinol is not effective in relieving the pain of an acute flare-up. In
fact, gout attacks may increase initially, so an antiinflammatory drug is often
given as well.

Unlike the gout drugs that reduce uric acid levels by increasing the quantity
excreted in the urine, allopurinol does not raise the risk of kidney stones.
This makes it particularly suitable for those with poor kidney function or a
tendency to form kidney stones.

Information For Users

Your drug prescription is tailored for you. Do not alter dosage without checking
with your doctor.

How taken

Tablets.

Frequency and timing of doses

1-3 x daily after food.

Adult dosage range

100-300mg daily.

Onset of effect

Within 24-48 hours. Full effect may not be felt for several weeks.

Duration of action

Up to 30 hours. Some effect may last for 1-2 weeks after the drug has been
stopped.

Diet advice

A high fluid intake (2 litres of fluid daily) is recommended.

Storage

Keep in a closed container in a cool, dry place out of the reach of children.

Missed dose

If your next dose is not due for another 12 hours or more, take a dose as soon
as you remember and take the next one as usual. Otherwise skip the missed dose
and take your next dose on schedule.

Stopping the drug

Do not stop the drug without consulting your doctor; symptoms may recur.

Exceeding the dose

An occasional unintentional extra dose is unlikely to cause problems. Large
overdoses may cause nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhoea, and dizziness.
Notify your doctor.

Possible Adverse Effects

Adverse effects of allopurinol are not very common. The most serious is an
allergic rash that may require the drug to be stopped and an alternative
treatment substituted. Nausea can be avoided by taking allopurinol after food.

Interactions

Mercaptopurine and azathioprine.
Allopurinol blocks the breakdown of these drugs so they have to be given in
reduced

Aspirin. Large doses of aspirin may reduce the effects of allopurinol.

Anticoagulant drugs. Allopurinol may increase the effects of these drugs.

Chlorpropamide. The hypoglycaemic effects of chlorpropamide may be increased.

Quick Reference

Drug group Drug for gout.
Overdose danger rating Medium
Dependence rating
Low
Prescription needed Yes
Available as generic Yes

Special Precautions

Be sure to tell your doctor if:

You have long-term liver or kidney problems.

You have had a previous sensitivity reaction to allopurinol.

You have a current acute case of gout. You are taking other medications.

Pregnancy

Safety in pregnancy not established. Discuss with your doctor.

Breast-feeding

The drug passes into the breast milk and may affect the baby. Discuss with your
doctor.

Infants and children

Reduced dose necessary.

Over 60

Reduced dose may be necessary.

Driving and hazardous work

Avoid such activities until you have learned how allopurinol affects you because
the drug can cause drowsiness.

Alcohol

Avoid. Alcohol may worsen gout.

Prolonged Use

Apart from an increased risk of gout in the first weeks or months, no problems
are expected.

Monitoring
Periodic checks on uric acid levels in the blood are usually
performed.