Drug Name

Zyloprim (Allopurinol)

Drug Uses

Zyloprim reduces the production of uric acid in your body. Zyloprim is used to treat gout, increased levels of uric acid caused by cancer treatment, and kidney stones that are caused by high levels of uric acid.

How Taken

Zyloprim comes as a tablet to take it orally. It usually is taken once a day, preferably after a meal. Drink at least eight glasses of water or other fluids each day while taking Zyloprim unless directed to do otherwise by your doctor. Avoid excessive amounts of vitamin C supplements or fruit juice while taking Zyloprim. Too much vitamin C may increase your chance of developing kidney stones.

Drug Class and Mechanism

Allopurinol is used to lower blood uric acid levels. Uric acid is a breakdown product of purines in foods. Uric acid forms crystals in the tissues of the body to cause the inflammation of gout. Elevated blood uric acid levels can also cause kidney disease and stones. Allopurinol can be used to prevent uric acid kidney stones and to prevent recurrent gouty arthritis attacks.

Missed Dose

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the dose you missed and take only your next regularly scheduled dose. Do not take a double dose of this medication.

Storage

Store at 15-25 degrees C (59-77 degrees F) in a dry place and protect from light.

Warnings/Precautions

Before taking Zyloprim, tell your doctor if you have kidney or liver disease. You may need a lower dose of Zyloprim or special monitoring during your therapy. Zyloprim is in the FDA pregnancy category C. This means that it is not known whether Zyloprim will harm an unborn baby. Do not take Zyloprim without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant. Zyloprim passes into breast milk. Do not take Zyloprim without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

Possible Side Effects

If you experience any of the following serious side effects, stop taking Zyloprim and seek emergency medical attention: an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of your throat; swelling of your lips, tongue, or face; or hives); blood in your urine or pain when you urinate; a rash; eye irritation; fever, chills, or joint aches; or severe nausea or vomiting. Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to take Zyloprim and talk to your doctor if you experience upset stomach or diarrhea; headache, dizziness, or drowsiness; or an acute attack of gouty arthritis. Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any reaction that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

More Information

• If you experience any of the following serious side effects, stop taking allopurinol and seek emergency medical attention:
  • an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of your throat; swelling of your lips, tongue, or face; or hives);
  • blood in your urine or pain when you urinate;
  • a rash;
  • eye irritation;
  • fever, chills, or joint aches; or
  • severe nausea or vomiting.
• Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to take allopurinol and talk to your doctor if you experience
  • upset stomach or diarrhea;
  • headache, dizziness, or drowsiness; or
  • an acute attack of gouty arthritis.
• Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any reaction that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.