Allopurinol Indication.
For the treatment of hyperuricemia associated with primary or secondary gout.
Allopurinol Contraindications.
Patients who have developed a severe reaction to allopurinol should not be restarted on the drug.
Allopurinol Prescription.
Allopurinol is prescribed to treat gout, high levels of uric acid in the body caused by certain cancer prescription, and kidney stones. Allopurinol is in a class of prescription called xanthine oxidase inhibitors. It works by reducing the production of uric acid in the body. High levels of uric acid may cause gout attacks or kidney stones. Allopurinol is prescribed to prevent gout attacks, not to treat them once they occur.
A xanthine oxidase inhibitor that decreases uric acid production. It also acts as an antimetabolite on some simpler organisms.
How should Allopurinol be used?
Allopurinol comes as a tablet to take by mouth. It is usually taken once or twice a day, preferably after a meal. To help you remember to take allopurinol, take it around the same time every day.
Your doctor will probably start you on a low dose of allopurinol and gradually increase your dose, not more than once a week.
It may take several months or longer before you feel the full benefit of allopurinol. Allopurinol may increase the number of gout attacks during the first few months that you take it, although it will eventually prevent attacks. Your doctor may prescribe another prescription such as colchicine to prevent gout attacks for the first few months you take allopurinol.
Allopurinol, a structural analog of the natural purine base hypoxanthine, is prescribed to prevent gout and renal calculi due to either uric acid or calcium oxalate and to treat uric acid nephropathy, hyperuricemia, and some solid tumors.
Allopurinol side effects.
- blood in the urine;
- diarrhea;
- drowsiness;
- fever, sore throat, chills, and other signs of infection;
- irritation of the eyes;
- itching;
- loss of appetite;
- painful urination;
- skin rash;
- swelling of the lips or mouth;
- unexpected weight loss;
- upset stomach;
