The
following information is a summary about Zyloprim.
It is not intended to replace a doctor's instructions.
Zyloprim USES
Zyloprim (Allopurinol) is used to treat chronic gout
(gouty arthritis). This condition is caused by too
much uric acid in the blood. Zyloprim works by causing
less uric acid to be produced by the body.
Zyloprim DIRECTIONS
Zyloprim comes as a tablet to take by mouth. It is
usually taken once or twice a day, preferably after
a meal. To help you remember to take Zyloprim, take
it around the same time every day. Follow the directions
on your prescription label carefully, and ask your
doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not
understand. Take Zyloprim exactly as directed. Do
not take more or less of it or take it more often
than prescribed by your doctor. Your doctor will
probably start you on a low dose of Allopurinol and
gradually increase your dose, not more than once
a week. It may take several months or longer before
you feel the full benefit of Zyloprim. Allopurinol
may increase the number of gout attacks during the
first few months that you take it, although it will
eventually prevent attacks. Your doctor may prescribe
another medication such as colchicine to prevent
gout attacks for the first few months you take Zyloprim.
Continue to take Zyloprim even if you feel well.
Do not stop taking Zyloprim without talking to your
doctor.
Zyloprim SIDE EFFECTS
Zyloprim Allopurinol may cause side effects. Tell
your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or
do not go away: * upset stomach * diarrhea * drowsiness
Some side effects can be serious. The following symptoms
are uncommon, but if you experience any of them,
call your doctor immediately: * skin rash * painful
urination * blood in the urine * irritation of the
eyes * swelling of the lips or mouth * fever, sore
throat, chills, and other signs of infection * loss
of appetite * unexpected weight loss * itching Zyloprim
may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if
you have any unusual problems while taking this medication.
Zyloprim PRECAUTIONS
Before taking Zyloprim, * tell your doctor and pharmacist
if you are allergic to Zyloprim or any other medications.
* tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription
and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional
supplements, and herbal products you are taking.
Be sure to mention any of the following: amoxicillin
(Amoxil, Trimox); ampicillin (Polycillin, Principen);
anticoagulants ('blood thinners') such as warfarin
(Coumadin); cancer chemotherapy drugs such as cyclophosphamide
(Cytoxan) and mercaptopurine (Purinethol); chlorpropamide
(Diabinese); diuretics ('water pills'); medications
that suppress the immune system such as azathioprine
(Imuran) and cyclosporine (Neoral, Sandimmune); other
medications for gout such as probenecid (Benemid)
and sulfinpyrazone (Anturane); and tolbutamide (Orinase).
Your doctor may need to change the doses of your
medications or monitor you carefully for side effects.
* tell your doctor if you have or have ever had kidney
or liver disease or heart failure. * tell your doctor
if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or
are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while
taking Zyloprim, call your doctor. * you should know
that Zyloprim may make you drowsy. Do not drive a
car or operate machinery until you know how this
medication affects you. * ask your doctor about the safe
use of alcoholic beverages while you are taking Zyloprim.
Alcohol may decrease the effectiveness of Zyloprim.
Zyloprim DRUG INTERACTIONS
Tell your doctor of all prescription and nonprescription
meds you may use, especially of: carbamazepine, narcotic
pain relievers (e.g., codeine), drugs used to aid
sleep, antidepressants (e.g., SSRI-types such as
fluoxetine or fluvoxamine), MAO inhibitors (e.g.,
furazolidone, linezolid, phenelzine, procarbazine,
selegiline, tranylcypromine), psychiatric medicine
(e.g., nefazodone), "triptan"-type drugs, anti-anxiety
drugs (e.g., diazepam), sibutramine. Also, report
use of certain antihistamines (e.g., diphenhydramine)
which are also present in many cough-and-cold products.
Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor
or pharmacist approval.
Zyloprim OVERDOSE
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison
control center or emergency room immediately.
Zyloprim NOTES
Drink at least eight glasses of water or other fluids
each day while taking Zyloprim unless directed to
do otherwise by your doctor.
MISSED DOSE
If you miss a dose, use Zyloprim as soon as you remember.
If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the
missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule.
Do not "double-up" the dose to catch up.
Zyloprim STORAGE
Store Zyloprim at room temperature between 36 and
77 degrees F (2 -25 degrees C) away from light and
moisture.
