Zyloprim is the brand name of the drug allopurinol, which is used to treat gout, high levels of uric acid in the body (often caused by certain cancers and cancer treatments), and kidney stones. The medication may also be used to treat seizures, infections, and pain caused by pancreas disease.
Full Answer
Does allopurinol (Zyloprim) work for gout?
Mar 05, 2021 · 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. Warnings Allopurinol can lower blood cells that help your body fight infections.
How does allopurinol affect uric acid levels?
Summary. Allopurinol (Zyloprim, Aloprim) is a drug used to treat gout. Elevated levels of blood uric acid levels can also cause kidney disease and stones. Side effects, drug interactions, and warnings and precautions should be reviewed prior to taking this medication.
How much allopurinol should I take for gout?
Can raise the number of gout attacks in the first few weeks Won't treat an active gout attack and can take 2 to 6 weeks to feel the full effects Kidney stones can form while taking allopurinol (Zyloprim), especially in those who don't drink a lot of fluids You must get several lab draws to figure out the right dose Can cause drowsiness (sleepiness)
What class of drug is allopurinol?
ALLOPURINOL (Zyloprim) inhibits uric acid synthesis and has been linked to skin eruptions, inflammation of the blood vessels, and liver toxicity. Periodic liver enzymes, renal function tests and complete blood counts should be performed in all patients on allopurinol. Alterations in liver enzymes, including transient elevations of serum alkaline phosphatase, AST and ALT, have …
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 fast does allopurinol (Zyloprim) work?
For gout, allopurinol (Zyloprim) lowers uric acid to prevent gout flares. It won't work to lower pain and discomfort during a gout attack. It can t...
Does allopurinol (Zyloprim) cure gout?
No, there is currently no cure for gout. Allopurinol (Zyloprim) and other medications can only prevent gout attacks and treat the symptoms.
Do I have to take allopurinol (Zyloprim) forever?
If you have high uric acid levels, it's likely that your provider will have you continue allopurinol (Zyloprim) or a similar medication to lower yo...
Is allopurinol (Zyloprim) hard on the kidneys?
Taking allopurinol (Zyloprim) is not known to cause kidney problems. The medication leaves your body through the kidneys, so if your kidneys are no...
Should I take allopurinol (Zyloprim) in the morning or night?
Allopurinol (Zyloprim) can be taken at anytime of the day. If it makes you sleepy, you should take it closer to bedtime. If it hurts your stomach,...
What is the effect of allopurinol on uric acid?
Elevated blood uric acid levels also can cause kidney disease and kidney stones. Allopurinol prevents the production of uric acid by blocking the activity ...
What is allopurinol used for?
Allopurinol is used for treating gout caused by excessive levels of uric acid in the blood ( hyperuricemia ). It is a xanthine oxidase inhibitor and is similar to febuxostat ( Uloric ). Uric acid is a by product from the breakdown of certain proteins (purines) in the body by enzymes called xanthine oxidases. Hyperuricemia occurs when the body ...
What is the drug used for gout?
Allopurinol (Zyloprim, Aloprim) is a drug used to treat gout. Elevated levels of blood uric acid levels can also cause kidney disease and stones. Side effects, drug interactions, and warnings and precautions should be reviewed prior to taking this medication.
What is the process of uric acid?
Uric acid is a by product from the breakdown of certain proteins (purines) in the body by enzymes called xanthine oxidases. Hyperuricemia occurs when the body produces more uric acid than it can eliminate. The uric acid forms crystals in joints ( gouty arthritis) and tissues, causing inflammation and pain. Elevated blood uric acid levels also can ...
Does allopurinol help with gout?
For gout, allopurinol (Zyloprim) lowers uric acid to prevent gout flares. It won't work to lower pain and discomfort during a gout attack. It can take weeks to months to get to the correct dose of allopurinol (Zyloprim) and some people experience more gout attacks/flares during this time.
Does allopurinol interact with zyloprim?
Allopurinol (Zyloprim) may interact with certain medications or supplements . Always let your doctor and pharmacist know about any other medications or supplements (including prescribed and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and dietary or herbal supplements) that you are currently taking.
Does allopurinol lower uric acid?
Allopurinol (Zyloprim) stops an enzyme called xanthine oxidase from making uric acid ; this then lowers the uric acid levels in your body. Keeping uric acid levels low can prevent gout attacks and kidney stones.
Does allopurinol cause kidney problems?
Taking allopurinol (Zyloprim) is not known to cause kidney problems. The medication leaves your body through the kidneys, so if your kidneys are not working at a certain level, your provider may lower your dose. Some people taking allopurinol (Zyloprim) have had kidney stones.
How much does allopurinol cost?
Taking it after a meal can help with stomach upset. Prices for allopurinol (Zyloprim) start at just $ 7.17 with a GoodRx coupon. They’re fast, easy-to-use and free!
Can you die from taking allopurinol?
While a rash is a common side effect of allopurinol (Zyloprim), some people taking allopurinol (Zyloprim) get a really bad skin rash. It's rare, but can require hospitalization or can even cause death. Get medical help right away if you suddenly develop a blistering skin rash with a fever.
Can medicine cause side effects?
Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.
Is Allopurinol (Zyloprim) a Safe and Effective Gout Treatment?
ALLOPURINOL (Zyloprim) inhibits uric acid synthesis and has been linked to skin eruptions, inflammation of the blood vessels, and liver toxicity. Periodic liver enzymes, renal function tests and complete blood counts should be performed in all patients on allopurinol.
NCBI- US National Library of Medicine Studies
1. Drug Intell Clin Pharm. 1985 Jun;19 (6):431-3. Hepatitis associated with allopurinol.
How does allopurinol help with gout?
Allopurinol is used for the treatment of gout and helps by relieving pain. A potential nursing diagnosis for a patient on this medication is acute pain. Nursing implications (things that should be known or watched for) include: 1 Monitor intake and output ratios frequently; this drug is excreted in the urine and decreased kidney function can cause drug accumulation and toxic effects#N#Ensure that patient maintains adequate fluid intake (minimum 2500-3000 mL/day) to minimize risk of kidney stones forming 2 Continuously assess the patient for rash or more severe hypersensitivity reactions#N#Discontinue allopurinol immediately if a rash occurs 3 Monitor continuously for joint pain and swelling#N#Colchicine or NSAIDs should be considered when the patient is experiencing an acute attack#N#Prophylactic doses of colchicine or NSAIDs should be administered concurrently during the first 3-6 months of therapy because of an increased risk of acute attacks of gout 4 Monitor laboratory values frequently#N#Serum and urine uric acid levels after about 2-3 days of the initiation of oral therapy#N#Monitor blood glucose in patients receiving oral hypoglycemic agents, as it may cause hypoglycemia in these patients#N#Monitor hematologic, renal, and liver function tests before and periodically during therapy, especially during the first few months
Is allopurinol an anti-inflammatory?
It is an anti-inflammatory medication a doctor may prescribe to minimize the effects of the inflammatory process related to gout. Allopurinol is a xanthine oxidase inhibitor. Xanthine oxidase is an enzyme that converts xanthine to uric acid.
What enzyme converts xanthine to uric acid?
Xanthine oxidase is an enzyme that converts xanthine to uric acid. Allopurinol blocks this action and causes xanthine levels then begin to rise, but because xanthine is more soluble than uric acid, it is more readily excreted out of the body via urination. Lesson. Quiz. Course.
How old is too old to take allopurinol?
Administration. Allopurinol can be used in adults and children more than 10 years old. The medication can be provided to the patient orally or via IV. An initial loading dose should be administered and then adjusted based on serum uric acid levels.
What is allopurinol used for?
Allopurinol is uric acid reducer used mainly for the treatment of gout. It works by converting xanthine to uric acid. Based on this mechanism of action, there are several nursing implications and administration techniques to consider for this medication. As the nurse, it is important to monitor intake and output frequently to monitor ...
What are the implications of nursing?
Nursing implications (things that should be known or watched for) include: Monitor intake and output ratios frequently; this drug is excreted in the urine and decreased kidney function can cause drug accumulation and toxic effects.
What is allopurinol?
Allopurinol oral tablet is a generic prescription drug. It’s FDA-approved to:
Allopurinol oral tablet side effects
Allopurinol oral tablets can cause mild and serious side effects. The following lists contain some of the key side effects that may occur while taking allopurinol. These lists do not include all possible side effects.
Allopurinol oral tablet uses
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves prescription drugs such as allopurinol to treat certain conditions. Allopurinol oral tablet may also be used off-label for other conditions. Off-label drug use means using a drug for a purpose other than what it’s been approved for by the FDA.
Allopurinol oral tablet dosage
The allopurinol oral tablet dosage your doctor prescribes will depend on several factors. These include:
Allopurinol oral tablet interactions
Allopurinol oral tablets can interact with several other medications. They can also interact with certain supplements as well as certain foods.
Alternatives to allopurinol oral tablets
Other drugs are available that can treat your condition. Some may be a better fit for you than others. If you’re interested in finding an alternative to allopurinol oral tablets, talk with your doctor. They can tell you about other medications that may work well for you.
Common questions about allopurinol oral tablets
Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about allopurinol.
What causes uric acid to increase?
Some causes that can lead to increased uric acid levels include: being overweight (BMI >25 is considered overweight), usage of aspirin or diuretics (thiazides (hydrochlorothiazide) or loop), HIGH consumption of purines, dehydration, renal problems. Option B is the only patient MOST at risk for developing gout. 4.
Why is option B wrong?
Option B is wrong because the pain felt with gout tends to intensify within 4-24 hours (not 30 minutes). Option C is wrong because any type of pressure (even the pressure of bed linens) can majorly increase the pain felt with gout.