What is Zyloprim?

Zyloprim is an oral tablet containing a drug, with antigout and antihyperuricemic agents, called allopurinol. We carry the brand name Zyloprim and its generic alternative in 100mg, 200mg, and 300mg.

Zyloprim is a medication used to treat gout and certain types of kidney stones. These conditions are often times caused by uric acid levels being too high. Usually, this is because the kidneys don’t know how to eliminate the uric acid efficiently, which may be a result of being overweight, having diabetes, taking certain diuretics, or drinking too much alcohol. Uric acid is made naturally in the body during the breakdown of purine, which is found in foods.

Additionally, this medication may be used to treat and prevent high levels of uric acid levels in patients undergoing cancer chemotherapy. Cancer chemotherapy is a cancer-killing method, but when cancer cells die, they often release uric acid, increasing the amount the uric acid in the body. Increased uric acid can lead to gout and kidney problems.

Zyloprim (allopurinol) is effective at treating gout, kidney stones, and high levels of uric acid because it is able to reduce the amount of uric acid being produced in the body.

You should only take this medication the way that you have been directed to by your doctor. It is important to follow his or her directions to achieve the full effect of the medication and to avoid adverse interactions. Directions given by your doctor can commonly be found on the prescription label. If you are unsure on how to take this medication, call your health care professionals.

Take each dose with a full glass of water; you should drink a total of 8-10 full glasses of water per day when taking Zyloprim. You may take this medication with food if it upsets your stomach.

Store at room temperature in a low risk area of moisture and heat.

Do not use Zyloprim (allopurinol)

Do not use Zyloprim if you have ever had a serious allergic reaction to Zyloprim (allopurinol).

Dose adjustment or special precautions may be required

Before starting treatment, it is important to tell your doctor if you have eever had kidney or liver disease, diabetes, congestive heart failure, high blood pressure, or if you are receiving chemotherapy.

Risks

It is not known if this medication will harm an unborn baby if taken by a pregnant mother. Consult your doctor before using Zyloprim if you are pregnant.

It may not be safe for infants to breastfeed if the mother is using Zyloprim. If you are breast feeding, discuss the risks with your doctor before using this medication.

You may find yourself having frequent gout attacks when starting this medication; your doctor may recommend taking another medication as well to help with this. Keep using all medications as directed and if symptoms do not improve within several weeks of treatment; consult your doctor.

Common side effects of Zyloprim (allopurinol) may include:

drowsiness; rash; abnormal liver function tests; nausea, vomiting, diarrhea; headache; or changes in your sense of taste.

The above side effects should not alarm you.

Serious side effects of Zyloprim (allopurinol) may include:

any skin rash, no matter how mild; flu symptoms, joint pain, easy bruising, unusual bleeding; painful urination, blood in the urine; little or no urination; numbness, tingling, burning pain; worsening gout symptoms; or

liver problems: loss of appetite, weight loss, stomach pain (upper right side), itching, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes).

If you have any of the above side effects or signs of complications, contact your doctor right away.

Please note this is not a complete list of side effects. Not everyone experiences side effects; they are not guaranteed. If you do have side effects and they become unmanageable, consult your doctor about alternate medications.

What is Allopurinol?

Allopurinol is the active ingredient within Zyloprim. It is a medication that falls in line with Medicare’s Tier 1, which are usually inexpensive generics. But what is Zyloprim exactly?  Allopurinol is a medication that is used to treat gout and certain types of kidney stones. It is also used to prevent uric acid levels in people that are receiving chemotherapy for cancer. When taken, this medication is put to work by reducing the number of uric acids that are made by the body, since it is these increased uric acid levels that cause the gout and the kidney problems in the first place. This medication comes in three different strengths which are 100mg, 200mg, and 300mg. If you have any questions regarding this medication or any inquiries in general, feel free to give us a call at our toll free number 1-877-385-8998.        

How long does it take for Allopurinol to lower uric acid levels?

Once you begin taking this medication, it can take up to 2 to 3 months to become fully effective. Although you should continue to keep taking this medication, regardless of how you are feeling.  Keep in mind that during the first few weeks your blood levels of uric acid may rise for a short while before they fall again.

What are the side effects of Allopurinol?

Some of the more common side effects of this medication include the following; Skin rash, diarrhea, nausea, changes in your liver function test results, and gout flare-up (if you had gout). Keep in mind that these are not all of the side effects listed for this medication, and if you are experiencing any of these be sure to inform your doctor if they persist or worsen.

How to take Allopurinol?

This medication is taken by mouth and normally taken once a day and generally after a meal to reduce any kind of upset stomach you may encounter.  It is usually encouraged to drink a full glass of water with each dose and at least 8 more glass of fluid within the day.  As to how much water you should intake is something your doctor will discuss with you when prescribing this medication.