Allopurinol
COMMON BRAND(S): ZYLOPRIM
GENERIC NAME(S): ALLOPURINOL
Uses
Allopurinol is prescribed for the management of gout and specific types of kidney stones. It is also employed to prevent elevated uric acid levels in patients undergoing cancer chemotherapy. These individuals may experience heightened uric acid levels due to the release of uric acid from deteriorating cancer cells. Allopurinol functions by diminishing the production of uric acid by the body, which can otherwise lead to complications such as gout and kidney issues.
How to Use Allopurinol
Follow your doctor’s instructions and take this medication orally, usually once daily. To minimize stomach discomfort, take it after a meal. If your daily dosage exceeds 300 milligrams, your doctor may advise splitting the dose into smaller portions throughout the day.
It’s advisable to drink a full glass of water with each dose and consume at least 8 additional glasses (each containing 8 ounces) of fluids per day. If your doctor has advised reducing fluid intake for other medical reasons, seek further guidance. Your doctor may also provide instructions on reducing urine acidity (such as avoiding excessive consumption of ascorbic acid/vitamin C).
The dosage is determined by your medical condition and response to treatment. Take this medication regularly at the same time(s) each day to maximize its effectiveness.
For gout treatment, it might take several weeks for the medication to take effect. You may experience more gout attacks during the initial months of treatment as the body eliminates excess uric acid. Allopurinol does not alleviate pain associated with gout. To manage gout pain, continue taking your prescribed medications for gout attacks (such as colchicine, ibuprofen, indomethacin) as directed by your doctor.
Inform your doctor if your condition persists or worsens.