Allopurinol works by lowering the amount of urate in your blood. Because of this, it’s sometimes called a urate lowering therapy (ULT). Once your urate level is low enough, new crystals will stop forming and existing crystals will slowly dissolve.
What is allopurinol and how does it work?
Allopurinol works by reducing the amount of uric acid made by body cells. In gout, this helps prevent uric acid crystals building up in the joints. This helps prevent joints becoming swollen and painful. In cancer, some cancer treatments kill cancer cells and uric acid is then released from these cells.
How effective is allopurinol?
How effective are the medications? Allopurinol and febuxostat are very effective at reducing uric acid levels. Studies on these medications showed that most participants were able to lower their uric acid levels to under 387 µmol/L (6.5 mg/dL).
What is allopurinol used to treat?
Allopurinol is used to prevent or lower high uric acid levels in the blood. It is also used to prevent or lower excess uric acid levels caused by cancer medicines or in patients with kidney stones. A high uric acid level can cause gout or gouty arthritis (joint pain and inflammation).
What is the mechanism of action for allopurinol?
Mechanism of Action Allopurinol and oxypurinol both inhibit xanthine oxidase, an enzyme in the purine catabolism pathway that converts hypoxanthine to xanthine to uric acid.
How does allopurinol work for gout?
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. Allopurinol is used to prevent gout attacks, not to treat them once they occur.
How does allopurinol work for kidney stones?
They promote the production of urine, preventing calcium stones. Allopurinol: This drug inhibits the breakdown of purines to uric acid, lowering the uric acid levels in the urine. Allopurinol is mostly used to prevent uric acid stones.
How quickly does allopurinol work?
It can take 2-3 months to become fully effective. It does not have any effect during a gout attack, although you should continue to take it regularly every day even if this happens. During the first few weeks of taking allopurinol, your blood levels of uric acid may rise for a short while before they fall.
What is treatment of uric acid?
Allopurinol (Aloprim, Zyloprim)reduces uric acid production. Colchicine(Colcrys, Mitigare) reduces inflammation. Febuxostat(Uloric) reduces uric acid production. Indomethacin(Indocin, Tivorbex) is a stronger NSAID pain reliever. Lesinurad (Zurampic) helps your body get rid of uric acid when you pee.
What should you assess before giving allopurinol?
Assess heart rate, ECG, and heart sounds, especially during exercise (See Appendices G, H). Report an abnormally slow heart rate (bradycardia) or symptoms of other arrhythmias such as including palpitations, chest discomfort, shortness of breath, fainting, and fatigue/weakness.
How does allopurinol work Wiki?
Allopurinol is a medication used to decrease high blood uric acid levels. It is specifically used to prevent gout, prevent specific types of kidney stones and for the high uric acid levels that can occur with chemotherapy. It is taken by mouth or injected into a vein.
What is the indication of allopurinol?
Allopurinol is indicated for reducing urate/uric acid formation in conditions where urate/uric acid deposition has already occurred (e.g. gouty arthritis, skin tophi, nephrolithiasis) or is a predictable clinical risk (e.g. treatment of malignancy potentially leading to acute uric acid nephropathy).
How does allopurinol work xanthine oxidase?
Allopurinol. Allopurinol and its metabolite oxypurinol are analogs of hypoxanthine and xanthine, respectively, and prevent the formation of UA by binding to XO and inhibiting it [22]. Allopurinol is an orally and parenterally administrable drug for the treatment of gout and preventing the recurrence of kidney stones.
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,...
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 are the side effects of taking allopurinol?
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: May cause a skin rash which may be a sign of an allergic reaction to allopurinol.
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.
What to do if you forget allopurinol?
If you forget a dose of allopurinol, you do not need to double up the next dose. Just continue taking allopurinol as scheduled. Discontinue allopurinol at the first appearance of a skin rash, painful urination, blood in the urine, eye irritation, or facial swelling, and seek urgent medical advice.
When should uric acid be discontinued?
When used to treat high uric acid levels caused by treatments for leukemia, lymphoma, and other malignancies, it should be discontinued when the potential for overproduction of uric acid is no longer present. Occasionally may cause drowsiness. Affected people should not drive or operate machinery.
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.
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 to take allopurinol?
Your doctor may occasionally change your dose. Take allopurinol oral with a full glass of water.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Important warnings
Severe skin rash: This drug may cause a severe, life-threatening skin rash. If you have itchiness, trouble breathing, or swelling of your face or throat, stop taking this drug and call your doctor right away.
What is allopurinol?
Allopurinol oral tablet is a prescription drug that’s available as the brand-name drugs Zyloprim and Lopurin. It’s also available as a generic drug. Generic drugs usually cost less. In some cases, they may not be available in every strength or form as the brand-name version.
Allopurinol side effects
Allopurinol oral tablet may cause drowsiness. You shouldn’t drive, use machinery, or do other tasks that require alertness until you know how allopurinol affects you. It can also cause other side effects.
How to take allopurinol
This dosage information is for allopurinol oral tablet. All possible dosages and drug forms may not be included here. Your dosage, drug form, and how often you take the drug will depend on:
Take as directed
Allopurinol oral tablet is used for long-term treatment. It comes with serious risks if you don’t take it as prescribed.
Important considerations for taking this drug
Keep these considerations in mind if your doctor prescribes allopurinol oral tablet for you.
Are there any alternatives?
There are other drugs available to treat your condition. Some may be better suited for you than others. Talk with your doctor about other drug options that may work for you.
What is Zach's understanding of allopurinol?
Zach is amazed at what molecules and enzymes are able to do in the body. He has a greater understanding of how allopurinol works to treat gout. Zach feels like he is able to explain to his patients taking allopurinol how the medication blocks enzymes from being broken down into uric acid.
What is the formula for allopurinol?
The molecular formula for allopurinol is C5H4N4O with a molecular weight of 136.114 grams per mole. Allopurinol has a hydrogen bond count of two and a hydrogen donor count of two. Hydrogen bonds allow molecules to come together. Both a hydrogen donor and acceptor must be present in order for two molecules to bond.
What is the best medicine for gout?
Allopurinol is a medication used to treat gout by decreasing the amount of uric acid in the blood and the body. Uric acid is excreted by the kidneys but can build up when the kidneys are damaged or when there is simply too much uric acid in the body. It is a xanthine oxidase inhibitor which stops xanthine oxidase from converting hypoxanthine ...
What is Alexandra's masters degree?
Alexandra earned her master's degree in nursing education and is currently a hospital supervisor/administrator. Allopurinol is a drug that is used to decrease uric acid that causes gout. This lesson will discuss the mechanism of action and structure of allopurinol. Create an account.
How long does it take for uric acid to reach its peak?
An increase in uric acid is also associated with organ damage and failure. Allopurinol reaches its peak in thirty to sixty minutes once ingested and has a relatively short half-life.
Does allopurinol help with gouty arthritis?
Tophi are responsible for causing gouty arthritis. Allopurinol decreases the function of xanthine oxidase when there is too much hypoxanthine and xanthine in the body which lowers the level of uric acid.
Is allopurinol a xanthine oxidase inhibitor?
Allopurinol is a classified as a xanthine oxidase inhibitor. This means that it stops the enzyme xanthine oxidase from functioning correctly. Xanthine oxidase converts oxypurines (hypoxanthine and xanthine) to uric acid. It is found in many organs such as the liver, stomach, heart, brain, kidneys, and blood plasma.
What is allopurinol used for?
1. About allopurinol. Allopurinol is a medicine used to lower levels of uric acid in your blood. If you produce too much uric acid or your kidneys do not filter enough out, it can build up and cause tiny, sharp crystals to form in and around your joints. Allopurinol is used to treat gout and kidney stones. It may also be prescribed ...
How does allopurinol help with gout?
Allopurinol works by reducing the amount of uric acid made by body cells. In gout, this helps prevent uric acid crystals building up in the joints. This helps prevent joints becoming swollen and painful. In cancer, some cancer treatments kill cancer cells and uric acid is then released from these cells.
How long does it take for allopurinol to work?
Allopurinol reduces the amount of uric acid made by your body's cells. This reduces symptoms such as swollen and painful joints (gout). It may take several months before you feel the full benefit of allopurinol. During the first few months of treatment, as allopurinol starts to work, you may get more gout attacks.
What is the best medicine to take for high blood pressure?
tablets that make you pee more (diuretics) such as furosemide or ACE inhibitors to treat high blood pressure (hypertension) such as enalapril and ramipril. If you take aluminium hydroxide (found in some antacids such as Maalox and Mucogel), leave a 3 hour gap between the aluminium hydroxide and your allopurinol dose.
Can you stop allopurinol for a few days?
It can also happen if allopurinol is stopped suddenly for a few days and then restarted at the same dose as before. It's better to reduce the dose and then increase it slowly. It's also best to not start taking allopurinol within 2 weeks of a viral infection, vaccination, or rash caused by something else.
Can you take allopurinol with cancer?
Allopurinol is used to treat gout and kidney stones. It may also be prescribed if you're having some types of cancer treatment. Some treatments can cause a build-up of uric acid. Allopurinol comes as 100mg and 300mg tablets and is only available on prescription.
Can you stop taking allopurinol?
If you stop allopurinol treatment suddenly, there is a high risk that gout may get worse or you will get serious side effects. Only stop taking allopurinol if a doctor tells you to. A doctor will help you to reduce your dose slowly so you do not get serious side effects.
Brand-name versions
Allopurinol oral tablet is the generic version of the brand-name drug Zyloprim.
Effectiveness
For information about the effectiveness of allopurinol, see the “ Allopurinol oral tablet uses ” section below.
Serious side effects
Serious side effects from allopurinol oral tablets aren’t common, but they can occur. Call your doctor right away if you have serious side effects. Call 911 or your local emergency number if your symptoms feel life threatening or if you think you’re having a medical emergency.
Allopurinol oral tablets for treating gout
Allopurinol oral tablets are FDA-approved to treat a common type of arthritis called gout. The drug is considered a maintenance (ongoing) treatment for gout. Over time, it can help prevent acute gout (gout attack). But it’s not used to treat sudden gout attacks.
Allopurinol oral tablets for treating kidney stones
Allopurinol oral tablets are FDA-approved to treat kidney stones called calcium oxalate stones that keep coming back. The drug is for use in adults with high levels of a waste product called uric acid in their urine.
Allopurinol oral tablets for reducing uric acid levels during cancer treatment
Allopurinol oral tablets are FDA-approved to reduce uric acid levels that may be high during certain cancer treatments. These cancers can include leukemia and lymphoma.
Allopurinol oral tablets and children
Allopurinol oral tablets may be used in some children. Dosing for allopurinol in children is based on factors such as the child’s age and the condition being treated. Talk with your doctor if you have questions about your child’s dose.
How much allopurinol should I take daily?
What is the typical dose and when do I take it? Allopurinol is available in 100, 200 and 300 mg tablets. The usual dose is between 100 – 600 mg taken once daily (Maximum dose: 800 mg/day) If you have poor renal function you may need a lower daily dose.
What is Zyloprim used for?
Brand Name (s) Zyloprim®, generics. Drug Class. Prescription medication. Allopurinol is used to lower uric acid in the blood, to prevent attacks of gout. Allopurinol is not used to treat inflammatory arthritis or osteoarthritis.
Can allopurinol cause rash?
A common side effect of allopurinol is rash. Sometimes people can develop a more serious type of rash while taking allopurinol. If you develop a rash while taking allopurinol stop the medication and contact your healthcare provider. Other common side effects include stomach upset and diarrhea.
Does allopurinol interact with other medications?
Allopurinol interacts with a number of other medications. Please speak with your healthcare provider about whether any of the other medications you currently take interact with allopurinol. Anyone who is hypersensitive to allopurinol or has had a previous allergic reaction to allopurinol should avoid the medication.
Is allopurinol safe for pregnancy?
Allopurinol has not been well studied in pregnancy. Human data suggest s that risks may be low and that allopurinol may be safe, but before starting allopurinol tell your healthcare provider if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant. Allopurinol does pass into breast milk.
Can you take allopurinol while on gout medication?
To provide symptom relief while you are waiting for allopurinol to work and to protect against gout flares, your prescriber may recommend you take a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) or colchicine. Allopurinol should not be started new during an acute gout attack as it may make the attack worse.
Can you breastfeed with allopurinol?
Allopurinol does pass into breast milk. Allopurinol is likely safe in breast feeding although human data is limited. Allopurinol is considered by the American Academy of Pediatrics to be compatible with breastfeeding. Breastfed infants of mothers receiving allopurinol should be monitored for signs of allopurinol side effects, such as rash.
How It Works
- 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.
Upsides
- 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.
Downsides
- 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…
Bottom Line
- 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.
Tips
- Allopurinol may be better tolerated if taken with food.
- If you forget a dose of allopurinol, you do not need to double up the next dose. Just continue taking allopurinol as scheduled.
- Discontinue allopurinol at the first appearance of a skin rash, painful urination, blood in the urine, eye irritation, or facial swelling, and seek urgent medical advice.
- Allopurinol may be better tolerated if taken with food.
- If you forget a dose of allopurinol, you do not need to double up the next dose. Just continue taking allopurinol as scheduled.
- Discontinue allopurinol at the first appearance of a skin rash, painful urination, blood in the urine, eye irritation, or facial swelling, and seek urgent medical advice.
- Allopurinol is a maintenance treatment for gout or high uric acid levels so it should be taken regularly even once a gout attack has resolved. Other treatments (such as NSAIDs or colchicine) are us...
Response and Effectiveness
- Peak levels of allopurinol are reached within 1.5 hours and 4.5 hours for its active metabolite. 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.
- Peak levels of allopurinol are reached within 1.5 hours and 4.5 hours for its active metabolite. 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.
- In people with severe kidney disease, a dosage of 100 mg/day or 300mg twice a week may be sufficient to reduce high uric acid levels.
Interactions
- 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. Speak to your doctor about how drug interactions sh…
Further Information
- Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use allopurinol only for the indication prescribed. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances. Copyright 1996-2022 Drugs.com. Revision date: June 23, 2021. Medical Disclai…