Zyloprim
Allopurinol
Drug Class and Mechanism of Action of Zyloprim
Zyloprim is a xanthine oxidase inhibitor. It acts by lowering the production of uric acid in the body. Uric acid is a breakdown product of purines in foods (mainly meat and meat products). Uric acid forms crystals in the tissues of the body, especially in the small joints to cause the inflammation of gout. Increased blood uric acid levels can also cause kidney disease and kidney stones. Zyloprim can be used to prevent uric acid kidney stones and to prevent recurrent gouty arthritis attacks and other joints.
Therapeutic Uses of Zyloprim
Zyloprim is used for treatment of gout and gouty arthritis. It is also used for treatment of high uric acid levels in the blood or urine caused by certain types of cancer chemotherapy. It is also used to treat some patients with calcium oxalate kidney stones and high amounts of uric acid in the urine. It can also be used in other medical conditions as your doctor determines.
Direction of use of Zyloprim
Use Zyloprim exactly as directed by your doctor. Read the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions or take as given here. Zyloprim should be taken by mouth on full stomach to decrease stomach upset and irritation. Drinks extra fluids (water and other fluids like juices) while you are taking Zyloprim. Consult your doctor for instructions as how to take it. Continue to take Zyloprim even if you feel well without missing any dose of Zyloprim.
If You Miss a Dose of Zyloprim
If you miss a dose of Zyloprim, you should take it as soon as you can remember it. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at a time for missing a dose of Zyloprim.
How to Store Zyloprim
Zyloprim should be stored at 15-25 degrees C (59-77 degrees F). Store it away from heat, moisture and light in a tightly closed dark color container. Keep it out of reach of children and do not store it in your bathroom.
More Information About Zyloprim
If you have any questions about Zyloprim (how to take, side effects, precautions or any other question), please ask your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider. Zyloprim is to be used only by the patient for whom it is prescribed. Do not share it with other people. Do not use it for other medical problems without asking your doctor. If your symptoms do not improve or if they become worse, check with your doctor.
Precautions to be Taken While Taking Zyloprim
Do not use Zyloprim if you are allergic to any of the ingredients used in it.
Some medical conditions may interact with Zyloprim. Inform your doctor or other health care provider if you have any medical condition that may interact with Zyloprim, especially any of the following:
- If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or if you are breast feeding your baby.
- If you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine (known as over the counter medications), herbal preparation, or dietary supplements.
- If you are allergic to any other medicine, food, or any other substance.
- If you have any kidney disease, liver disease, any heart problems like congestive heart failure, bone marrow problems, high blood pressure, or diabetes.
Some medicines may interact with Zyloprim. You should tell your doctor or other health care provider if you are taking any medicine that may interact with Zyloprim, especially any of the following medications:
- Amoxicillin or ampicillin because the risk of developing a skin rash may be increased if taken with Zyloprim.
- The risk of low blood sugar may be increased with chlorpropamide.
- If you are taking dicumarol or oral anticoagulants like warfarin, because the risk of bleeding may be increased by Zyloprim.
- Thiazide diuretics like hydrochlorothiazide or uricosurics drugs like probenecid because they may increase the risk of side effects of Zyloprim.
- Cyclosporine or thiopurines like azathioprine and mercaptopurine because the risk of the side effects of these medicines may be increased by Zyloprim.
Possible Adverse Effects of Zyloprim
- All medicines may cause side effects including Zyloprim, but many people have no, or minor side effects. Diarrhea and nausea are the common and minor side effects of Zyloprim. If any of these common and minor side effects of Zyloprim become bothersome or persistent, you should consult your doctor.
- Seek medical attention right away if any of the severe side effects of Zyloprim occur. The severe side effects of Zyloprim are severe allergic reaction (the manifestations of severe allergic reaction are skin rash, itching, difficulty in breathing, tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); blood in urine, painful urination, dark urine; signs of infection (fever, chills, or sore throat); irritation of the eyes, joint pain, stomach pain, loss of appetite, unexplained weight loss; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling of skin, unusual bruising or bleeding; unusual muscle pain or weakness; yellowing of the skin or eyes etc.
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