Zyloprim Information:

Zyloprim (Allopurinol) is an anti-hyperuricemic/anti-gout medication used to lower blood uric acid and to prevent gouty arthritic attack. It is also used for the treatment of secondary hyperuricemia (elevated blood uric acid) which may occur during treatment of tumors or leukemia and to prevent recurrent calcium oxalate stones.

Zyloprim Side Effects:

Possible adverse reactions with Zyloprim (Allopurinol) are: skin rash (in rare cases severe reaction); nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain; drowsiness, numbness and tingling of fingers and/or toes; muscle weakness; kidney and liver disorder.

What other drugs will affect allopurinol? • Taking ampicillin (Principen, Omnipen, others) or amoxicillin (Amoxil, Augmentin, Trimox, Wymox, others) may increase the risk that a rash will develop during allopurinol therapy. Tell your doctor that you are taking allopurinol if you need to take ampicillin or amoxicillin. • Thiazide diuretics (water pills) may increase the amount of allopurinol in your blood. Tell your doctor if you are taking a diuretic such as · hydrochlorothiazide (Hydrodiuril, Hygroton, HCTZ, others), · chlorothiazide (Diuril, others), · chlorthalidone (Thalitone, others), or · indapamide (Lozol). • Allopurinol may also increase the effects of the certain other drugs. Before taking allopurinol, tell your doctor if you are taking any of the following medicines: · azathioprine (Imuran), · mercaptopurine (Purinethol), · drugs used to treat cancer, · cyclosporine (Sandimmune, Neoral), · chlorpropamide (Diabinese), · warfarin (Coumadin), or · theophylline (Theochron, Theolair, Theo-Dur, others). • You may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring if you are taking any of the drugs listed above. • Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with allopurinol. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines.

Zyloprim Directions:

The usual adult dose of Zyloprim (Alloprinol) to prevent a gouty attack is 200 to 300mg daily in mild cases and 400 to 600 mg daily in severe cases. Daily doses over 300 mg are to be taken in 2 to 3 divided doses with or after food. Maximum recommended daily dose is 800mg. Maintain adequate hydration (2-3 liters per day of fluids) through out the day unless instructed to restrict fluid intake.

Zyloprim Precautions:

Zyloprim (Allopurinol) may cause drowsiness, thus be cautious when performing hazardous activities that require alertness; do not drink alcohol while taking this medication; Zyloprim may predispose patient to antibiotic-induced skin rash if taken together. Acute gouty attacks may occur in the first 6 weeks of therapy with Zyloprim; inform your doctor immediately if you experience joint pain. Zyloprim may affect the blood level of some other drugs, if taken together and visa versa. Also some over the counter medications may influence the effectiveness of Zyloprim. Consult with your doctor and pharmacist about possible drug interactions. In some patients Zyloprim may cause hypersensitivity; report any skin rash immediately to your doctor.