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Allopurinol

 

Allopurinol (generic Zyloprim) Review

brand names: Zyloprim, Lopurin
generic names: Allopurinol, Mercaptopurine

How does it work?

Zyloric tablets contain the active ingredient allopurinol, which is a type of medicine called a xanthine oxidase inhibitor. (NB. Allopurinol tablets are also available without a brand name, ie as the generic medicine allopurinol.) Allopurinol is used to lower uric acid levels in the body.

Uric acid is produced by an enzyme in the body called xanthine oxidase. Allopurinol inhibits the action of this enzyme and as a result lowers uric acid levels.

The main use of allopurinol is in preventing gout, which is caused by a build-up of uric acid crystals in the joints. It is these cystals that cause the characteristic pain and inflammation of gout. By lowering the production of uric acid, flare-ups of gout can be prevented.

Allopurinol is used for the long term prevention of gout and not for immediate treatment of gout flare-ups. Other medicines are used for the rapid relief of gout symptoms.

A build up of uric acid is also responsible for certain types of kidney disease and some types of kidney stone. In the same way that allopurinol prevents gout, it can also prevent the formation of new kidney stones. NB. There are various different types of kidney stones, and allopurinol is only effective against certain types.

Certain types of cancer and treatments for cancer can raise uric acid levels. As this could potentially cause kidney problems, allopurinol is sometimes used to prevent this.

How should you take Zyloprim?

Take Zyloprim exactly as prescribed. Your doctor will probably start you on a low dosage, increasing it gradually each week until you reach the dosage that is best for you.

While taking Zyloprim you should drink plenty of liquids--10 to 12 glasses (8 ounces each) per day--unless otherwise prescribed by your doctor.

To help prevent attacks of gout, you should also avoid beer, wine, and purine-rich foods such as lentils, kidneys, liver, sardines, anchovies, and sweetbreads.

You should avoid taking large doses of vitamin C because of the increased possibility of kidney stone formation.

If you have been taking colchicine and/or an anti-inflammatory drug, such as to relieve your gout, and others, Indocin, Anaprox, your doctor will probably want you to continue taking this medication while your Zyloprim dosage is being adjusted. Later, when you have had no attacks of gout for several months, you may be able to stop taking these other medications.

A typical starting dose is one 100-milligram tablet per day. You may want to take Zyloprim immediately after a meal to minimize the risk of stomach irritation.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this medicine.

An overdose of Allopurinol (Zyloprim) is not expected to produce life-threatening symptoms.

What are Allopurinol (Zyloprim) tablets?

Allopurinol (Lopurin ® , Zyloprim ® ) reduces the amount of uric acid the body makes. Too much uric acid in the blood can cause damage and produce kidney stones and gout. Allopurinol will help to prevent gout, but will not ease an acute attack. It is also used to help prevent to decrease uric acid levels that occur as a result of some sorts of chemotherapy for certain types of leukemia, lymphoma or solid tumors. Generic Allopurinol (Zyloprim) tablets are available.

Use with caution in

• Liver disease
  
  
• Kidney disease
  
  
• Elderly people
  
  

Overdosage

Although no specific information is available regarding Zyloprim overdosage, any medication taken in excess can have serious consequences. If you suspect an overdose of Zyloprim, seek medical attention immediately.