Tablets
To treat chronic gout or excessive uric acid buildup caused by kidney disorders, cancer, or the use of chemotherapy drugs for cancer. Also prescribed to prevent recurrence of uric acid kidney stones. Allopurinol should not be used for treating acute gout attacks in progress.
Allopurinol blocks the enzyme xanthine oxidase, which is required for the production of uric acid, thus reducing blood levels of uric acid.
Adults: Initially 100 mg per day, increased by 100 mg per week to a maximum of 800 mg per day. 100 mg doses are administered once a day; doses of 300 mg or more are taken in two or three evenly divided portions throughout the day. Children ages six to 10: 300 mg per day for certain types of cancer. Children age six and under: 50 mg per day in three evenly divided portions.
Reduces uric acid levels in two to three days; may take six months for full effect to occur.
one to two weeks.
Take it with food or milk to avoid stomach irritation. Drink 10 to 12 glasses (8 oz each) of water a day.
Store in a tightly sealed container away from heat and direct light.
Take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is near the time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your regular dosage schedule. Do not double the next dose.
Take allopurinol as prescribed for the full treatment period, even if you begin to feel better before the scheduled end of therapy.
Consult your doctor about the need for tests of liver function, kidney function, blood counts, and blood and urine levels of uric acid.
Adverse reactions may be more likely and more severe in older patients.
Allopurinol may cause drowsiness. If possible, avoid driving and hazardous work.
No special precautions are necessary.
Caution is advised; consult your doctor about whether the benefits outweigh potential risks to the unborn child.
Allopurinol passes into breast milk; avoid or discontinue use while nursing.
Follow your doctor's instructions carefully for children.
No specific symptoms have been reported.
An overdose of allopurinol is unlikely to be life-threatening. However, if someone takes a much larger dose than prescribed, contact your doctor, poison control center, or local emergency room for instructions.
Consult your doctor for specific advice if you are taking an antibiotic (such as amoxicillin, ampicillin, or bacampicillin), an anticoagulant (warfarin, dicumarol), an anticancer (chemotherapy) drug, chlorpropamide, a diuretic, or theophylline.
None are likely, but a low-purine diet is recommended to reduce the risk of gout attacks. Foods high in purines include anchovies, sardines, legumes, poultry, sweetbreads, liver, kidneys, and other organ meats.
Caution is advised when taking allopurinol. Consult your doctor if you have high blood pressure, diabetes mellitus, kidney disease, or impaired iron metabolism.
