Facts about Allopurinol

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Allopurinol is a prescription drug that is recommended for treatment of gout.  Common brand name of allopurinol is Zyloprim although generic versions of this drug are also available.  This drug is formulated to treat gouty arthritis and gouty kidney.  It also aids in lowering down uric acid concentrations in the blood of cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy.   Formulation: Allopurinol comes in several formulations: Capsules of 100mg Scored tablets of 100 mg, 300 mg Injection of 500mg/30 ml vial (although this is now named allopurinol sodium (Aloprim) The drug must be stored in temperatures 55 F to 77 F Usage: How you use allopurinol depends on how your doctor would prescribe you to use it.  Initially, the highest tolerated dose is given when an acute attack of gout is experienced. Special consideration is also given in the presence of tophi.  Tophi (sing. tophus) are an accumulation of uric acid crystals in joints that triggers an inflammatory response.   The medication is taken once every morning with a glass of water after meals.  If the dosage is too strong, the doctor may either reduce the amount or divide the dose in a single day.  Remember to take the drug the same time each day to maintain its therapeutic level.  During the course of the therapy, it is important that you drink 8-10 glasses of water daily.  Taking in less than 8 glasses of water will increase your risk of forming uric acid stones.  The amount of urine you produce should be equal to the amount of water you take in. If you forgot to take the medication and it is not near the time of the next dose, take the missed dose immediately.  If there is a short window between the time you remembered taking the dose and the time when you have to take the next one, do not take the previous dose.  Never double the amount of medication just to compensate for the missed dose.  Say for example you are scheduled to take the drug 3x a day and you forgot to take it in the morning.  Problem is, it is already noon by the time you remembered the dose.  Do not take a double dose at noon.  Just take your regular dose for the present schedule and disregard the previous one.  As much as possible do not forget to take your medication so that the drug will remain effective and therapeutic.  If you are regularly missing a dose or several of them within the week, consult your doctor for appropriate action. After drinking the drug, see if you are experiencing some drowsiness.   If you do, do not do anything hazardous such as driving or operating heavy machinery.  Alcohol consumption is severely contraindicated as it decreases the effect of the drug. Special Considerations: Always inform your doctor if you have any medical condition aside from gout if you are to take this medication.  Usually, medical conditions that warrant caution in taking allopurinol are:     Drug allergies     Kidney disease     and liver disease     Congestive heart failure     Hypertension     Diabetes     Undergoing chemotherapy As it is important to take in large amounts of water, those with kidney problems and congestive heart failure will have problems in this area as they are usually in fluid restriction.  People with the above conditions also take certain medications that can interact adversely with allopurinol.  For example, taking the drug with chlorpropamide will potentiate the action of the oral hypoglycemic agent. Reduce the intake of Vitamin C to prevent kidney stone formation. Side Effects There are several side effects that you have to look out for when you are taking allopurinol:     Nausea and vomiting     Epistaxis or nose bleeding     Renal failure     Bone marrow depression     Jaundice     Hepatomegaly or liver enlargement Tests must be regularly done to monitor your blood count to see if bone marrow depression is occurring.  If you experience any of the previously stated conditions, call your doctor immediately for appropriate action. If you have an infection and you are taking in ampicillin, inform your doctor so he would reschedule your medication.  The possibility of allergic reaction is increased in the presence of the drug, making it important to postpone taking allopurinol while undergoing antibiotic therapy.  Once you experience any form of allergic reaction (i.e. rash, itchiness, difficulty of breathing), stop taking the drug altogether and inform your doctor right away.
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