Precautions
Allopurinol is FDA approved for management of patients with leukemia, lymphoma, and cancers who are receiving cancer therapy that causes elevations of uric acid levels in association with tumor lysis syndrome. What is the mechanism of action? Allopurinol works by reducing the formation of uric acid.
Does allopurinol cause cancer?
Mar 05, 2021 · Allopurinol is used to treat gout or kidney stones. Allopurinol is also used to decrease levels of uric acid in people who are receiving cancer treatment. Warnings. Allopurinol can lower blood cells that help your body fight infections. This can make it easier for you to bleed from an injury or get sick from being around others who are ill.
What conditions does allopurinol treat?
Apr 06, 2022 · Patients must speak with a health care provider for complete information about their health, medical questions, and treatment options, including any risks or benefits regarding use of medications. This information does not endorse any treatments or medications as safe, effective, or approved for treating a specific patient.
Can allopurinol cause stomach problems?
Allopurinol is used in treatment of gout, high levels of acidity and prevention of gout attacks, which can be a side effects of certain cancer medications. Prescribed as an oral tablet, Allopurinol is taken once or twice a day after a meal. 1. Mechanism: Described as a xanthine oxidase inhibitor, Allopurinol promotes the reduction of uric acid in the body. 1.
Why do cancer patients take allopurinol?
How does allopurinol work in tumor lysis syndrome?
Why is allopurinol given to patient with acute leukemia?
Who should not take allopurinol?
- dehydration.
- anemia.
- decreased blood platelets.
- low levels of white blood cells.
- abnormal liver function tests.
- chronic kidney disease stage 4 (severe)
- chronic kidney disease stage 5 (failure)
- kidney disease with likely reduction in kidney function.
When do you stop taking allopurinol for tumor lysis?
What are the side effects of allopurinol?
- skin rash.
- diarrhea.
- nausea.
- changes in your liver function test results.
- gout flare-up (if you have gout)
Why is allopurinol given?
Why is uric acid high in leukemia?
Does allopurinol affect electrolytes?
Does allopurinol shorten your life?
Can you drink coffee while taking allopurinol?
Is 300 mg of allopurinol a lot?
Before Taking This Medicine
You should not take allopurinol if you are allergic to it.To make sure you can safely take allopurinol, tell your doctor if you have any of these o...
How Should I Take Allopurinol?
Take allopurinol exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not take in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended. Follow the directio...
What Happens If I Miss A Dose?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not take extra medicine to...
Allopurinol Dosing Information
Usual Allopurinol Adult Dose for Gout:Initial: 100 mg orally once a day.Maintenance: 200 to 300 mg (mild gout) orally once a day or 400 to 600 mg/d...
What Other Drugs Will Affect Allopurinol?
Tell your doctor about all other medicines you use, especially: 1. azathioprine (Imuran); 2. chlorpropamide (Diabinese); 3. cyclosporine (Gengraf,...
Does allopurinol lower blood cells?
Allopurinol can lower blood cells that help your body fight infections. This can make it easier for you to bleed from an injury or get sick from being around others who are ill. Your blood may need to be tested often. Visit your doctor regularly.
What are the side effects of allopurinol?
Common allopurinol side effects may include: 1 an increase in gout attacks when you first starting taking allopurinol oral; 2 rash; 3 drowsiness; 4 fever, chills; 5 abnormal liver function tests; 6 nausea, diarrhea; or 7 joint pain.
Does allopurinol help with gout?
Allopurinol reduces the production of uric acid in the body. Uric acid buildup can lead to gout or kidney stones. Allopurinol is used to treat gout or kidney stones. Allopurinol is also used to decrease levels of uric acid in people who are receiving cancer treatment.
What drugs interact with allopurinol?
an antibiotic such as ampicillin or amoxicillin; a blood thinner such as warfarin, Coumadin, Jantoven; or. a diuretic or "water pill". This list is not complete. Other drugs may interact with allopurinol, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.
What is IV therapy?
Use: For the management of patients with leukemia, lymphoma, and malignancies who are receiving cancer therapy which causes elevations of serum and urinary uric acid levels; IV therapy is available for patients who cannot tolerate oral therapy.
How long does it take for a gout pill to work?
It may take several weeks to see the full effects. The chance of gout attacks may be higher for a few months after you start taking this drug. Do not stop taking this drug. You may be given other drugs to help you keep from getting gout attacks.
What to do if you think you have an overdose?
If you have any questions about this drug, please talk with your doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or other health care provider. If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away.
Do you have to wear a mask at MSK?
Masks Are Still Required at MSK. Patients and visitors must continue to wear masks while at MSK, including people who are fully vaccinated. MSK is offering COVID-19 vaccines to all patients age 12 and over. To schedule or learn more, read this. For Adult Patients /.
What are the symptoms of an allergic reaction?
Signs of an allergic reaction, like rash; hives; itching; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever; wheezing; tightness in the chest or throat; trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking; unusual hoarseness; or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat.
What are the symptoms of kidney problems?
Signs of kidney problems like unable to pass urine, change in how much urine is passed, blood in the urine, or a big weight gain. Pain when passing urine. Back pain, belly pain, or blood in the urine. May be signs of a kidney stone. Eye irritation.
What is the phone number for MSK?
If you're a patient at MSK and you need to reach a provider after 5:00 pm, during the weekend, or on a holiday, call 212-639-2000. If you have any questions, contact a member of your healthcare team directly.
Can you stop taking allopurinol?
Medicines that interact with allopurinol may either decrease its effect, affect how long it works for, increase side effects, or have less of an effect when taken with allopurinol. An interaction between two medications does not always mean that you must stop taking one of the medications; however, sometimes it does.
Does allopurinol help with gout?
Allopurinol may be used to decrease levels of uric acid in people with go ut, kidney stones, or who are receiving certain types of chemotherapy. Allopurinol reduces the production of uric acid (a compound produced by the body associated with gout and kidney stones), by inhibiting an enzyme called xanthine oxidase.
How long does it take for allopurinol to cause bone marrow depression?
Rarely, may cause bone marrow depression. May occur anywhere from 6 weeks to years after administration of allopurinol and the risk is greatest in those receiving other drugs that also have the potential to cause bone marrow depression.
Does allopurinol affect kidney function?
The dosage of allopurinol needs reducing in people with kidney disease and their renal function monitored at least during the early stages of therapy. People administered allopurinol for high uric acid levels occurring as a result of cancer are at higher risk of developing kidney damage from allopurinol.
Can you take allopurinol while pregnant?
People administered allopurinol for high uric acid levels occurring as a result of cancer are at higher risk of developing kidney damage from allopurinol. There is a lack of data regarding the use of allopurinol during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Consider the risks versus benefits before starting.
Can allopurinol cause gout?
Seek immediate medical advice if unexplained weight loss or itchiness develops while you are taking allopurinol. Starting allopurinol may cause an acute attack of gout. Your doctor should have advised you on how to manage this, if not, seek further advice from them.
How long does it take for allopurinol to work?
Allopurinol may be taken once daily. Normal serum uric acid levels are normally achieved within one to three weeks. It may take two to six weeks before allopurinol effectively reduces gout attacks. It is not unusual to experience a gout attack in the first few weeks of allopurinol initiation.
What is allopurinol used for?
Expand Section. Allopurinol is used to treat gout, high levels of uric acid in the body caused by certain cancer medications, and kidney stones. Allopurinol is in a class of medications 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.
What are the side effects of allopurinol?
Allopurinol may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away: 1 upset stomach 2 diarrhea 3 drowsiness
About Allopurinol
Allopurinol is given to decrease uric acid in the blood. High levels of uric acid in the blood may be caused by certain cancer medicines. Too much uric acid may cause gout attacks or kidney stones. Patients receiving anticancer therapy that results in tumor lysis syndrome sometimes require allopurinol.
Tips for Families
Be sure to discuss these and other recommendations with your doctor or pharmacist.
Does allopurinol help with cancer?
Allopurinol works by reducing the amount of uric acid made by the body.
What is allopurinol used for?
Uses. Allopurinol is used to treat gout and certain types of kidney stones. It is also used to prevent increased uric acid levels in patients receiving cancer chemotherapy. These patients can have increased uric acid levels due to release of uric acid from the dying cancer cells.
What are the side effects of a syringe?
Side Effects. Stomach upset, nausea, diarrhea, or drowsiness may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly. Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects.
Why is allopurinol used for kidney stones?
Allopurinol is used to treat gout and certain types of kidney stones. It is also used to prevent increased uric acid levels in patients receiving cancer chemotherapy. These patients can have increased uric acid levels due to release of uric acid from the dying cancer cells.
Does allopurinol cause kidney problems?
These patients can have increased uric acid levels due to release of uric acid from the dying cancer cells. Allopurinol works by reducing the amount of uric acid made by the body . Increased uric acid levels can cause gout and kidney problems.
How to take allopurinol?
How to use Allopurinol. Take this medication by mouth, usually once daily or as directed by your doctor. Take this medication after a meal to reduce stomach upset. If your dose is more than 300 milligrams a day, you will need to take several smaller doses during the day to get this amount (ask your doctor for directions).
Is allopurinol a pain reliever?
Allopurinol is not a pain reliever. To relieve pain from gout, continue to take your prescribed medicines for gout attacks (e.g., colchicine, ibuprofen, indomethacin) as directed by your doctor. Tell your doctor if your condition persists or worsens. Stomach upset, nausea, diarrhea, or drowsiness may occur.
How It Works
Allopurinol is used to treat gout and certain types of kidney stones. It is also used to prevent increased uric acid levels in patients receiving cancer chemotherapy.
May Treat: Calcium renal calculi · Hyperuricemia due to cancer therapy · Acute gout attack · Recurrent calcium renal calculi · Urate renal calculi
Brand Names: Zyloprim · Lopurin
Drug Class: Hyperuricemia Therapy - Xanthine Oxidase Inhibitors
Availability: Prescription Required
Pregnancy: Consult a doctor before using
May Treat: Calcium renal calculi · Hyperuricemia due to cancer therapy · Acute gout attack · Recurrent calcium renal calculi · Urate renal calculi
Brand Names: Zyloprim · Lopurin
Drug Class: Hyperuricemia Therapy - Xanthine Oxidase Inhibitors
Availability: Prescription Required
Pregnancy: Consult a doctor before using
Lactation: Does not adversely affect lactation
Alcohol: Limit intake while taking this medication
Driving: May cause drowsiness or dizziness. Use caution
- Best to take with a meal to lessen stomach upset
- Drink at least 10 glasses of water daily
- Get medical help right away for rash or fever.
- Best to take with a meal to lessen stomach upset
- Drink at least 10 glasses of water daily
- Get medical help right away for rash or fever.
- May make you sleepy. Use caution when driving.
- May take 4-6 weeks for full benefit of therapy.
- Reduce or avoid drinking alcohol
- Lab tests may be ordered to monitor therapy
- Review all drugs you are taking with your doctor
Upsides
Downsides
Bottom Line
Tips
- Allopurinol may be used to decrease levels of uric acid in people with gout, kidney stones, or who are receiving certain types of chemotherapy.
- Allopurinol reduces the production of uric acid (a compound produced by the body associated with gout and kidney stones), by inhibiting an enzyme called xanthine oxidase. Allopurinol reduces levels...
- Allopurinol may be used to decrease levels of uric acid in people with gout, kidney stones, or who are receiving certain types of chemotherapy.
- Allopurinol reduces the production of uric acid (a compound produced by the body associated with gout and kidney stones), by inhibiting an enzyme called xanthine oxidase. Allopurinol reduces levels...
- Allopurinol belongs to the class of medicines called xanthine oxidase inhibitors.
Response and Effectiveness
- May be used to prevent acute attacks of gout and to reduce ongoing complications of gout such as tophi (deposits of crystalline uric acid that form painful nodules), joint destruction, uric acid li...
- May be used temporarily to reduce elevated uric acid levels caused by certain cancer treatments in people with leukemia, lymphoma, and other malignancies.
- May be used to prevent acute attacks of gout and to reduce ongoing complications of gout such as tophi (deposits of crystalline uric acid that form painful nodules), joint destruction, uric acid li...
- May be used temporarily to reduce elevated uric acid levels caused by certain cancer treatments in people with leukemia, lymphoma, and other malignancies.
- May also be used to treat recurrent kidney stones (calcium oxalate calculi) in males with a urinary uric acid level of more than 800 mg/day, or in females with levels greater than 750 mg/day. The n...
- Available as an oral tablet and as an injection.
Interactions
- If you are between the ages of 18 and 60, take no other medication or have no other medical conditions, side effects you are more likely to experience include: 1. May cause a skin rash which may be a sign of an allergic reaction to allopurinol. This is considered a serious event and allopurinol should be discontinued immediately and urgent medical advice sought. People with k…
Further Information
- Allopurinol is used in the treatment of high uric acid levels associated with gout, kidney stones, and cancer treatment, it should not be used for asymptomatic high uric acid levels. If a rash occurs while taking allopurinol, immediate discontinuation of allopurinol is required and urgent medical advice should be sought.