Allopurinol
Information about Allopurinol
Allopurinol uses
Allopurinol is used in the treatment of gout.
How allopurinol works
Allopurinol is a xanthine oxidase inhibitor. It works by decreasing blood uric acid, which is the chemical that causes gout.
Common side effects of allopurinol
Nausea, Hypersensitivity, Joint pain, Muscle pain, Rash, Muscle damage, Vomiting, Abnormal liver function tests, Hepatitis (viral infection of liver), Stevens-Johnson syndrome, Toxic epidermal necrolysis
Available Medicine for Allopurinol
Expert advice for Allopurinol
- Your doctor has prescribed Allopurinol to reduce episodes of gout attack.
- Take Allopurinol with food to avoid stomach upset.
- Take plenty of fluids (2-3 litres) daily while on Allopurinol.
- Notify your doctor if you develop a rash. This could be a sign of allergy and should go away on discontinuing Allopurinol.
- When you first start taking this medicine, you might have more gout attacks. Do not stop Allopurinol on having an acute attack of gout as that could make an attack worse.
- Your doctor may check your liver function before starting treatment and regularly thereafter. Inform your doctor if you notice yellowing of eyes or skin, dark urine, or stomach pain.
- Do not consume alcohol while taking this medicine as it may cause your gout to flare up.
Frequently asked questions for Allopurinol
Allopurinol
Q. What is the best time of the day to take Allopurinol?
Allopurinol can be taken at anytime of the day but preferably should be taken at the same time each day so that you remember to take it. It is usually prescribed once daily and should be taken after meals. If the dose exceeds 300 mg or if your stomach is upset, you can take it in divided doses as advised by your doctor.
Q. Why do I still get gout while taking Allopurinol?
If you have started taking Allopurinol, you may experience an increase in attacks of gout (severe pain, swelling, and redness). However, these attacks usually become shorter and less severe after several months of therapy. The possible reason for increased attacks could be gradual breakdown of uric acid crystals, causing fluctuations in uric acid levels in the blood. To prevent such painful events, your doctor may advise to take colchicine with Allopurinol, as it can suppress the gouty attacks.
Q. Is Allopurinol an anti-inflammatory?
No, Allopurinol is not an anti-inflammatory medicine. It belongs to enzyme inhibitors class of medicines. It inhibits uric acid-forming key enzyme known as xanthine oxidase. This results in decreased production of uric acid which reduces the attacks of gout. Additionally, it may help in prevention of uric acid kidney stones.