What is Zyloprim/Allopurinol used for?

This medicine is used to treat gout, kidney stones, high uric acid levels, and high urine blood levels associated with medicines used to treat leukemia, lymphoma, and other forms of cancer.

If you have any questions about your medicine, please talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider. This medicine is only to be used by the patient for whom it is prescribed. Do not give it to others. This information is advisory only. It does not contain all information about this medicine. If you have any questions about your medicine, ask your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.

How should Zyloprim/Allopurinol be stored?

Store between 59 and 77 degrees F in a dry place. Protect from light.

General drug information:

When should Zyloprim/Allopurinol not be taken?

Do not take this medicine if you are allergic to any ingredient in this medicine

What precautions should I follow when taking Zyloprim/Allopurinol?

Before using this medicine, tell your health care provider about any of the following: if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding if you are taking any prescription medicine (especially mercaptopurine or azathioprine), nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement if you have liver or kidney disease if you have any other medical condition

What special warning(s) should I be aware of when taking Zyloprim/Allopurinol?

Patients taking this medicine may initially experience severe attacks of gout frequently which will become shorter and less severe after several months of treatment. This medicine has been reported to cause rash which may lead to a serious skin disease, generalized inflammation of a blood or lymph vessel, irreversible liver damage, or even death.

What are the side effects of Zyloprim/Allopurinol?

Most severe:  Rash; allergic reactions (hives; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); fever; chills; joint pain; yellowing of the skin or eyes.

Most common:  Diarrhea; nausea; sudden gout attacks.

Other:  Drowsiness.

How should I take Zyloprim/Allopurinol?

How much medicine you take and how often you take it depends on many factors, including the condition being treated and the age and weight of the patient. If you have any questions about the amount and/or frequency of the medicine you are taking, talk with your health care provider. Carefully read the information provided with this medicine and reread it each time you get this prescription refilled. Take this medicine exactly as prescribed by your health care provider. Take this medicine with meals to avoid upset stomach. Drink at least 2 liters of fluid each day while taking this medicine to prevent kidney stones from developing. The benefits of taking this medicine are usually noticeable within 2 to 6 weeks. Stop using this medicine and contact your physician at once if rash, painful urination, blood in urine, irritation of eyes, or swelling of lips or mouth occur. Contact your health care provider if loss of appetite, weight loss, or itching occur while you are taking this medicine. This medicine may cause drowsiness. Use caution while driving or performing other tasks requiring alertness, coordination, or physical dexterity. Lab tests will be required to monitor therapy. Be sure to keep appointments. Patients with previous medical conditions should talk with their health care provider before taking this medicine. Do not stop taking this medicine without checking with your doctor. Do not take more medicine than prescribed unless advised to do so by your doctor or health care provider. Contact your health care provider at once if you feel you have taken too much of this medicine. Do not take any other over-the-counter or prescription medicines without talking with your doctor. This includes any herbal preparations or dietary supplements. If a dose is missed, take it as soon as possible. If several hours have passed or if it is nearing time for the next dose, do not double the dose to catch up, unless advised by your doctor. If more than one dose is missed, contact your doctor or pharmacist.