Allopurinol – Uses, Side Effects, Warnings, and More

What is allopurinol used for?Does allopurinol have any side effects?Who should not take allopurinol?How long should you take allopurinol?Does allopurinol shorten your life?What should you avoid when taking allopurinol?allopurinol side effects,allopurinol 100mg,allopurinol mechanism of action,allopurinol dosage,what to avoid when taking allopurinol,allopurinol 300 mg used for,allopurinol uses,allopurinol brand name,allopurinol 100mg,allopurinol side effects,allopurinol mechanism of action,allopurinol dosage,allopurinol uses,allopurinol 300 mg

Uses

Gout and certain kinds of kidney stones can both be treated effectively with allopurinol. Additionally, it is used to protect individuals undergoing chemotherapy for cancer from seeing an increase in their levels of uric acid. It is possible for these people to have elevated levels of uric acid because dying cancer cells produce uric acid in the bloodstream. Allopurinol is effective because it lowers the quantity of uric acid that is produced by the body. Gout and other kidney issues can be brought on by elevated levels of uric acid.

DO NOT MISS: Isosorbide Mononitrate – Uses, Side Effects, Warnings, and More

The correct way to take allopurinol

Take this drug by mouth, as advised by your physician, usually once a day but not more than that. When taken after a meal, this drug will have less of an effect on your stomach. If your daily dosage is greater than 300 milligrams, you will need to divide it up into multiple smaller doses and take them at various times throughout the day in order to have the desired effect (ask your doctor for directions).

It is recommended that you have an entire glass of water with each dose, in addition to a minimum of eight additional glasses of fluid per day, each of which should contain eight ounces. If your doctor has instructed you to drink less fluid for other reasons related to your health, you should visit your doctor for further directions on how much fluid you should consume. Your physician may also give you instructions on how to reduce the quantity of acid that is present in your urine (for example, avoiding consuming excessive quantities of ascorbic acid or vitamin C).

Your current health status and how you respond to treatment will determine the appropriate dosage for you. Make sure you take this medication as directed for it to have the desired effect. Take it at the same time(s) every day so that you won’t forget when to take it.

In order for this medication to be effective in the management of gout, it could take anything from a few days to several weeks. After starting this medication, you may experience a higher frequency of gout attacks for several months while your body eliminates excess uric acid. Allopurinol is not a medication that is used to treat pain. Continue to take your recommended medications for gout attacks (such as colchicine, ibuprofen, and indomethacin) as directed by your doctor in order to get relief from the discomfort caused by gout.

Notify your primary care physician if your issue persists or worsens.

YOU MAY LIKE THIS: Metoprolol Tartrate – Uses, Side Effects, Warnings, and More

Side Effects

There is a possibility that you will have tiredness, stomach trouble, nausea, or diarrhea. Notify your doctor or pharmacist as soon as possible if any of these side effects continue or become worse.

Keep in mind that the reason your doctor has recommended that you take this medication is that he or she believes that the potential benefits to you outweigh the potential risks of doing so. The majority of persons who take this medicine do not report experiencing any severe adverse effects.

Notify your physician as soon as possible if you experience any serious side effects, such as numbness or tingling in your arms or legs, easy bleeding or bruising, unusual tiredness, signs of kidney problems (such as a change in the amount of urine, painful or bloody urination), signs of liver disease (such as nausea or vomiting that doesn’t stop, loss of appetite, stomach or abdominal pain, yellowing eyes or skin, dark urine), unusual weight loss, eye pain, or changes in

Rarely, allopurinol has been linked to extremely severe and even potentially fatal skin responses. Some individuals belonging to particular racial or ethnic groupings, such as those of African, Asian, or Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander heritage, are at a greater risk than others. Before you begin using this medicine, your physician may want to evaluate your risk by conducting a blood test. If the blood test reveals that you are at greater risk, your physician has to have a conversation with you about the benefits and drawbacks of allopurinol and the other treatment options available. If you develop any symptoms of a significant skin response, including skin rash, blisters, peeling, itching, or swelling, seek medical attention as soon as possible. Inquire with your primary care physician or your pharmacist for further information.

It is quite unusual for this medicine to cause an extremely severe allergic reaction. However, you should seek immediate medical attention if you experience any signs of severe allergic response, such as a high temperature, swollen lymph nodes, rash, itching, and swelling (particularly of the face, tongue, and neck), or severe dizziness, or difficulty breathing.

This list of potential adverse effects is not exhaustive in any way. Please consult your physician or pharmacist if you have any side effects that are not listed above.

In the United States, if you are experiencing any adverse effects, please consult your primary care physician. You can call the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or visit their website at www.fda.gov/medwatch to report any adverse effects.

In Canada, if you are experiencing any adverse effects, please consult your primary care physician. You can call Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345 to report any adverse effects you experience.

MUST READ: Vistaril – Uses, Side Effects, Warnings, and More

Precautions

Before using allopurinol, it is important that you discuss your medical history with your physician or pharmacist, especially if you have a history of severe reactions to medications or if you suffer from any allergies. There is a possibility that this product contains inactive substances, which, if present, could result in allergic responses or other complications. Discuss the matter further with your pharmacist for further information.

Before beginning treatment with this drug, it is important to discuss your medical history with your doctor or pharmacist, particularly if you have a history of liver disease, renal illness, diabetes, high blood pressure (hypertension), or an unusual diet (such as fasting).

This medicine may make you drowsy. Drowsiness is a side effect of consuming alcohol or cannabis (marijuana). Do not get behind the wheel of a vehicle, operate any machinery, or engage in any activity that requires attentiveness until you are able to do it safely. Drinking alcohol might potentially have the effect of making this medication less effective. Reduce your intake of alcoholic beverages. If you are a marijuana user, you should consult your primary care physician (cannabis).

During pregnancy, it is important to only use this drug when it is absolutely necessary. Talk to your healthcare provider about the potential drawbacks and advantages.

It is possible for allopurinol to enter breast milk. Before starting to breastfeed, you should talk to your healthcare provider.

Interactions

Drug interactions can alter the way in which your prescriptions work or raise the likelihood that you will have major adverse effects. This document does not contain all possible medication interactions. Keep a list of everything you put into your body, including pharmaceuticals, over-the-counter medicines, and herbal remedies, and give it to both your primary care physician and your pharmacist. Without first consulting your physician, you should never alter the dosage of any medication, stop taking any medication, or start taking any new medication.

“Blood thinners” (such warfarin), capecitabine, and didanosine are some examples of products that could potentially interact with this medication.

Overdose

Dial 911 if you suspect that someone has overdosed and they are exhibiting serious symptoms such as passing out or having problems breathing. In any other case, you should immediately contact a poison control center. To reach the poison control center for your area in the United States, dial 1-800-222-1222. Canadian residents can call a provincial poison control center.

Warnings

This drug should not be given to anyone else.

It is possible that you will be subjected to periodic laboratory and/or medical tests (such as uric acid blood levels, liver/kidney function tests, and complete blood count) in order to monitor your progress or check for any potential adverse effects. Consult your doctor for additional details.

If you are using allopurinol for the treatment of kidney stones, you may find that adhering to a particular diet is beneficial. Consult your doctor for additional details.

Neglected Dose

If you forget to take a dose, you should take it as soon as you realize you forgot. If it is getting close to the time of the next dose, you should forgo the dose that you missed. Your next dose should be taken at the typical time. It is not necessary to double the dose in order to catch up.

Storage

Keep at room temperature and away from light and moisture. Store at room temperature. Keep away from the bathroom at all costs. Always make sure that children and animals are kept well away from any medications.

Unless you have been specifically told to do so, you should not flush drugs down the toilet or pour them down a drain. When it is no longer needed or has passed its expiration date, dispose of this product in the appropriate manner. Talk to your neighborhood pharmacy or the firm that handles garbage disposal in your area.