Allopurinol : Before Using - Aloprim, Zyloprim, Apo-Allopurinol, Purinol

Allopurinol - Systemic

Brand Names

Aloprim, Zyloprim, Apo-Allopurinol, Purinol Allopurinol *** Before Using *** How to Use *** Fore Safe Use *** Side Effects

Before Using

In deciding to using a medication, the chance of taking the drug must be weighed against the good it will do. This is a decision you will make. For allopurinol, the following must be considered

Allergic reaction

Tell your family doctor if you have any unusual or allergy to allopurinol. Also tell your health care professional if you are allergic to any other substances, such as foods, preservatives, or dyes.

Pregnancy care

Although studies on birth defects have not been done in pregnant women, allopurinol has not been reported to cause problems in humans. In one study in mice, large amounts of allopurinol causing birth defects and other unwanted effects. However, allopurinol did not cause birth defects or other problems in rats or rabbits given doses up to 20 times the amount usually given to humans.

Breast-feeding problem

Allopurinol passes into the breast milk. Mothers who are taking this drug and who wish to breast-feed must discuss this with their family doctor.

Use for Children

This drug has been tested in child and, in effective doses, has not been shown to cause various side effects or problems than it does in adults.

Elderly care

Many medication have not been studied specifically in elderly people. Therefore, it may not be known whether they work exactly the same way they do in adults people or if they cause various side effects or problems in elderly people. There is no special info comparing use of allopurinol in the elderly with use in other age groups.

Drug interactions

Although certain medication must not be using together at all, in other cases two various medication may be using together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your family doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. When you are taking allopurinol, it is especially important that your family doctor and pharmacist know if you are taking any of the following:

Anticoagulants - blood thinners Allopurinol may increase the risk of bleeding; changes in the dose of the anticoagulant may be needed, depending on blood test results

Azathioprine - Imuran
Mercaptopurine - Purinethol Allopurinol may cause higher blood levels of azathioprine or mercaptopurine, leading to an increased risk of serious side effects

Other Information for using

The presence of other medical problems may effect the use of allopurinol. Make sure you tell your family doctor if you have any other medical problems, especially:

Congestive heart disease
Diabetes mellitus - sugar diabetes
High blood pressure
Kidney disease There is an increased risk of severe allergic reactions or other serious effects; a change in the dose of allopurinol may be needed