| What is Allopurinol?
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Allupurinol is used in the treatment of many symptoms of gout. Allopurinol
is also used to manage the increased uric acid levels in the blood of people with certain cancers, such as leukemia. It is also prescribed to manage some types of kidney stones. |
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| Are there any side effects associated with Allopurinol?
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Allopurinol side effects may include acute attack of gout, diarrhea, nausea,
and rash. If
the side effects continue or are bothersome, check with your doctor. Less common or rare
Allopurinol side effects may include abdominal pain, bruising, chills, fever, hair loss, headache, hepatitis, hives, indigestion, itching, joint pain, kidney failure, loosening of nails, muscle disease, nosebleed, rare skin condition characterized by severe blisters and bleeding on the lips, eyes, or nose,
reddish-brown or purplish spots on skin, skin inflammation or peeling, sleepiness, stomach inflammation, taste loss or change, tingling or pins and needles, unusual bleeding, vomiting,
and yellowing of skin and eyes. |
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| How is Allopurinol taken?
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Follow the directions for taking Allopurinol provided by your doctor. Your doctor will probably start you on a low dosage, increasing it gradually each week until you reach the dosage that is best for you.
You may want to take Allopurinol immediately after a meal to minimize the risk of stomach irritation. You should avoid taking large doses of vitamin C because of the increased possibility of kidney stone formation. While taking
Allopurinol you should drink plenty of liquids unless otherwise prescribed by your doctor. To help prevent attacks of gout, you should also avoid beer, wine, and purine-rich foods such as anchovies, sardines, liver, kidneys, lentils, and sweetbreads.
If you miss a dose take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the one you missed and go back to your regular schedule.
Do not take
two doses at once. |
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| Are there any effects of taking Allopurinol with other medications?
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Some medicines may interact with Allopurinol. Inform your doctor of all prescription and over-the-counter medicine that you are taking.
It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining
Allopurinol with amoxicillin, ampicillin, azathioprine, blood thinners,
cyclosporine, drugs for diabetes, mercaptopurine, probenecid,
sulfinpyrazone, theophylline, thiazide diuretics, or vitamin C. |
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| How should I store Allopurinol?
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Store Allopurinol at room temperature in a tightly closed container, away from heat and light. |
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Return to health network. |
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