Zyloprim

DrugUses
Allopurinol, commercial name Zyloprim, is used for the treatment of gout.  The medicine is used to treat a high uric acid levels in the urine or the blood. This is sometimes caused due to different types of cancer therapy. Zyloprim is also used to cure certain patients of kidney stones that are caused due to calcium oxalate. It is also used to treat high amounts of uric acid in the urine. Also, Zyloprim has several other uses, and the doctor may prescribe it to you for various reasons.

HowTaken
Allopurinol is a oral drug, and you should consult your doctor about the dosage that is suitable for your condition. You should take the drug on a full meal to avoid an upset stomach. Also, if you are undergoing treatment with Allopurinol, you should take a lot of extra fluids in your diet. Generally, the effects of Allopurinol can be seen within two or six weeks. You should continue taking Allopurinol even if you are feeling well.

MissedDose
In the case of a missed dose, you should take it as soon as you remember. However, make sure that the drug is not taken when you are too near your next dose. Do not take a double dose as it may have some severe repercussions on your health.

Overdose
If you suspect an overdose is suspected seek medical attention immediately
 

Warnings/Precautions
Before taking Allopurinol, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially if you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances, if you have kidney or liver disease, heart problems (e.g. congestive heart failure), bone marrow problems, high blood pressure, or diabetes, if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant or are breast–feeding. If you become pregnant, contact your doctor. You will need to discuss the benefits and risks of using Allopurinol while you are pregnant. Allopurinol is found in breast milk. If you are or will be breast–feeding while you use Allopurinol, check with your doctor. Discuss any possible risks to your baby. Some medicines may interact with Allopurinol. Therefore tell your doctor of all prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement that you are taking. You may experience an increase in gout attacks for several months after you begin taking Allopurinol. Your doctor may give you another medicine (colchicine) to help decrease these gout attacks. Contact your doctor if you experience frequent or severe gout attacks. Lab tests, including uric acid levels and kidney and liver function, may be performed while you use Allopurinol. These tests may be used to monitor your condition or check for side effects. Be sure to keep all doctor and lab appointments. Allopurinol is not useful for relieving an acute gout attack.

Possible Side Effects
Some of the Possible Side Effects are- diarrhea and nausea. Contact your doctor if any of these or other side effects occur. If you experience any of the following serious side effects, you should seek medical attention immediately- allergic reactions (rash, hives, itching, difficulty breathing, tightness in the chest, swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue), blood in urine or painful urination, dark urine, fever, chills, or sore throat, irritation of the eyes, joint pain, loss of appetite, red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin, stomach pain, unexplained weight loss, unusual bruising or bleeding, unusual muscle pain or weakness, yellowing of the skin or eyes.