Allopurinol
Generic Name:
Allopurinol
Allopurinol Description:
Allopurinol belongs to a group of medications known as xanthine oxidase (XO) inhibitors. It is used in the treatment of gout and certain other conditions that occur when excessive levels of uric acid accumulate in the body.
The body produces most of its own uric acid from substances known as purines. A small amount of uric acid is also obtained from food. Allopurinol works to decrease levels of uric acid in the body by blocking the activity of xanthine oxidase, an enzyme that plays a key role in the production of the substance.
Allopurinol Side Effects:
The most common side effects of allopurinol include:
For more information, see our allopurinol side effects page.
Allopurinol Uses:
Allopurinol is used in the treatment of the following conditions:
- Gout
- Excessive uric acid accumulation resulting from cancer treatment
- Kidney stones
Gout is a painful arthritic condition that mainly affects the big toe but can also affect the ankles, heels, knees, fingers, wrists or elbows.
Excessive uric acid levels can result in the development of kidney stones in some cases. Kidney stones are hard clusters of crystals that develop within the urinary tract.
Allopurinol may also be used in the treatment of the following conditions:
- Seizures
- Pancreas disease
- Certain infections
- Ulcer relapses
Additionally, allopurinol may be used in the following settings:
- To improve the survival rate following bypass surgery
- To prevent the rejection of kidney transplants
Allopurinol Interactions:
Allopurinol may interact with the following medications:
- Antacids
- Mercaptopurine
- Azathioprine (Imuran)
- Dicumarol
- Uricosuric agents
- Thiazide diuretics
- Ampicillin
- Amoxicillin
- Tolbutamide
- Chlorpropamide
- Cyclosporine
Allopurinol may also interact with other medications that are not listed above. Patients should talk with their doctor about the use of any other medications, vitamins or supplements before beginning treatment with allopurinol.
Allopurinol Dosage Information:
Typical Dosage Recommendations
Allopurinol dosages may vary among patients. Your doctor will establish the size and frequency of your dosage according to your individual needs. It is important to follow the guidelines set by your doctor.
Allopurinol is administered in the form of an oral tablet or an intravenous infusion. Patients taking allopurinol in the form of an oral tablet general take the medication once or twice a day. Allopurinol tablets should be taken after a meal. Patients receiving allopurinol in the form of an intravenous infusion to prevent other medical treatments from causing excessive uric acid build-up generally receive an infusion once a day starting one or two days before the scheduled therapy. Intravenous infusions of allopurinol are administered by a health care provider.
Missing a Dose of Allopurinol
If you forget to take a dose of allopurinol, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and resume your normal dosage schedule. Do not consume a double dose of this medication to compensate for a missed dose.
If you are receiving allopurinol via intravenous infusion and cannot attend your appointment, contact your health care provider as soon as possible to reschedule.
Allopurinol Overdose
Seek immediate medical attention if you believe you may have taken too much of this medication.
Allopurinol FDA Approval:
August 19, 1966
Allopurinol Recall/Black Box Warning Information:
In 2009, the manufacturer known as Rx Pak recalled lots of allopurinol tablets due to product mislabeling issues. The recalled products contained 100 mg allopurinol tablets however were shipped in boxes that mistakenly identified the medication as 300 mg tablets.
Allopurinol does not carry any black box warnings.
Other Warnings
Some patients have developed serious allergic reactions and severe skin conditions after receiving allopurinol. Patients have even experienced potentially life-threatening conditions such as Stevens-Johnson syndrome. Patients should seek immediate medical attention if they experience any indication of an allergic reaction after receiving allopurinol.
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