Brand Name: Zyloprim

Generic Name: Allopurinol (al-oh-PURE-i-nole)

Zyloprim is used for:

Zyloprim is a xanthine oxidase inhibitor. It works by lowering the body's production of uric acid.

Treating gout. It is used to treat high uric acid levels in the blood or urine caused by certain types of cancer chemotherapy. It is also used to treat certain patients with calcium oxalate kidney stones and high amounts of uric acid in the urine. It may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor.

How Taken

Zyloprim comes as a tablet to take it orally. It usually is taken once a day, preferably after a meal. Drink at least eight glasses of water or other fluids each day while taking Zyloprim unless directed to do otherwise by your doctor. Avoid excessive amounts of vitamin C supplements or fruit juice while taking Zyloprim. Too much vitamin C may increase your chance of developing kidney stones.

Warnings/Precautions

Before taking Zyloprim, tell your doctor if you have kidney or liver disease. You may need a lower dose of Zyloprim or special monitoring during your therapy. Zyloprim is in the FDA pregnancy category C. This means that it is not known whether Zyloprim will harm an unborn baby. Do not take Zyloprim without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant. Zyloprim passes into breast milk. Do not take Zyloprim without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

Missed Dose

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the dose you missed and take only your next regularly scheduled dose. Do not take a double dose of this medication.

Possible Side Effects

If you experience any of the following serious side effects, stop taking Zyloprim and seek emergency medical attention: an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of your throat; swelling of your lips, tongue, or face; or hives); blood in your urine or pain when you urinate; a rash; eye irritation; fever, chills, or joint aches; or severe nausea or vomiting. Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to take Zyloprim and talk to your doctor if you experience upset stomach or diarrhea; headache, dizziness, or drowsiness; or an acute attack of gouty arthritis. Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any reaction that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

Storage

Store at 15-25°C (59-77°F) in a dry place and protect from light.

Overdose

Seek emergency medical attention. Symptoms of Zyloprim overdose are not known.

More Information

Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. Zyloprim may cause drowsiness. If you experience drowsiness, avoid these activities. Avoid alcohol. It may worsen your condition. Follow your doctor\'s recommendations about diet.

General information:

If you have any questions about Zyloprim , please talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.