$Unique_ID{BRK01817}
$Pretitle{}
$Title{ALLOPURINOL}
$Subject{allopurinol (various manufacturers)
Lopurin (Boots)
Zurinol (Major)
Zyloprim (Burroughs Wellcome)}
$Volume{}
$Log{}

Copyright (C) 1991 Publications International, Ltd.


ALLOPURINOL
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BRAND NAMES (Manufacturers):
     allopurinol (various manufacturers)
     Lopurin (Boots)
     Zurinol (Major)
     Zyloprim (Burroughs Wellcome)
TYPE OF DRUG:
     Antigout
INGREDIENT:
     allopurinol
DOSAGE FORM:
     Tablets (100 mg and 300 mg)
STORAGE:
     Allopurinol tablets should be stored at room temperature in a tightly
       closed container.

USES

     This medication is used to treat gout and to lower blood uric acid
levels.  Allopurinol blocks the body's production of uric acid.

TREATMENT

     In order to avoid stomach irritation, you can take allopurinol with food
or with a full glass of water or milk.  It may take at least a week before the
full effects of this medication are observed.
     Drink at least ten to 12 glasses (eight ounces each) of fluids per day
while taking this medication in order to prevent the formation of kidney
stones.
     If you miss a dose of this medication, take the missed dose as soon as
possible, unless it is almost time for the next dose.  In that case, do not
take the missed dose at all; just return to your regular dosing schedule.  Do
not double the next dose.

SIDE EFFECTS

     Minor.

     Diarrhea, drowsiness, nausea, stomach upset, or vomiting.  These side
effects should disappear as your body adjusts to the medication.

     Major.

     Tell your doctor about any side effects that are persistent or
particularly bothersome.  IT IS ESPECIALLY IMPORTANT TO TELL YOUR DOCTOR about
blurred vision, chills, difficult or painful urination, fatigue, fever, loss
of hair, muscle aches, numbness or tingling sensations, paleness, rash, sore
throat, unusual bleeding or bruising, or yellowing of the eyes or skin.

INTERACTIONS

     Allopurinol interacts with several other types of drugs:
     1. Alcohol, diuretics (water pills), and pyrazinamide can increase blood
uric acid levels, thus decreasing the effectiveness of allopurinol.
     2. Allopurinol can increase the body store of iron salts, which can lead
to iron toxicity.
     3. When combined with allopurinol, ampicillin can increase the chance of
skin rash; thiazide diuretics and captopril can increase the chance of
allergic reactions; and cyclophosphamide can increase the chance of blood
disorders.  Allopurinol can also increase the blood levels and side effects of
mercaptopurine, azathioprine, oral anticoagulants (blood thinners, such as
warfarin), and theophylline.
     4. Vitamin C can make the urine acidic, which can increase the risk of
kidney stone formation with allopurinol.
     Before starting to take allopurinol, BE SURE TO TELL YOUR DOCTOR about
any medications you are currently taking, especially any of those listed
above.

WARNINGS

     * Tell your doctor about unusual or allergic reactions you have had to
any medications, especially to allopurinol.
     * Tell your doctor if you now have or if you have ever had blood
disorders, kidney disease, or liver disease.  Also, tell your doctor if you
have a relative with idiopathic hemochromatosis (a disorder of iron
metabolism).
     * If this drug makes you dizzy or drowsy, do not take part in any
activity that requires alertness, such as driving a car or operating
potentially dangerous equipment.
     * Be sure to tell your doctor if you are pregnant.  Although this drug
appears to be safe in animals, studies in pregnant women have not been
conducted.  Also, tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding an infant.  It is
not known whether allopurinol passes into breast milk.

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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace 
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your 
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical 
problem.
