Side Effects of Allopurinol and How to Use it

Allopurinol is a prescription tablet. It is intended for the treatment of high of levels of uric acid in the urine or blood that can cause gout. High levels of uric acid may be caused by:

• Certain medications like cancer therapy
• Kidney stones, kidney damages
• Dialysis treatment
• Psoriasis
• Use of diuretics or water pills
• A diet high in soft drinks, salami, beer, beef and steak

It is also indicated for the treatment of seizures, pain and infections that affects the pancreas. Allopurinol may also be used to help prevent rejection of kidney transplant and to help improve the survival after bypass surgery.

Allopurinol belongs to the group of drugs known as xanthine oxidase inhibitor. It works by decreasing the blood and urine uric acid levels by stopping the xanthine oxidase.

How to use Allopurinol?

Allopurinol comes in a tablet form that you need to take by mouth. The typical dose for an adult is:

Starting dose: 200mg to 300mg a day

Maintenance dose: 200mg to 300mg per day for mild gout and 400mg to 600mg a day for moderately severe gout.

Take this medication exactly as directed. Take the tablet with a glass of water. Drink at least 10 glasses of water every day to reduce the risk of having kidney stones. Do not take more or less than what is required or longer than the prescribed period of treatment.

What are the side effects of Allopurinol?

Common side effects are:

• Diarrhea
• Headache
• Muscle pain
• Vomiting
• Drowsiness
• Change in taste and sense

Serious side effects are:

• Flu-like symptoms
• Bleeding and pain when urinating
• Allergic reactions
• Loss of appetite
• Itching
• Irritation of the eye
• Swelling of the lips and mouth
• Sore throat, fever, chills and other signs

Call your doctor right away in case of serious side effects.

Important Information

• This medication can decrease the number of blood cells that help fight infections and that helps make your blood clot. This makes you easier to bleed from injury.
• Allopurinol may interact with other medications. Inform your doctor if you are taking any other medications especially antibiotics, diuretics and blood thinners.
• Avoid drinking alcoholic beverages while using this medication.
• Drink plenty of fluids every day.
• Use this drug with cautions if you have kidney and liver problems.
• Your gout condition may increase in number during the first few months of treatment. It may take several months or longer before you will feel the full benefits.