In this Article

• What is allopurinol (Zyloprim)?
• What are the possible side effects of allopurinol (Zyloprim)?
• What is the most important information I should know about allopurinol (Zyloprim)?
• What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking allopurinol (Zyloprim)?
• How should I take allopurinol (Zyloprim)?
• What happens if I miss a dose (Zyloprim)?
• What happens if I overdose (Zyloprim)?
• What should I avoid while taking allopurinol (Zyloprim)?
• What other drugs will affect allopurinol (Zyloprim)?
• Where can I get more information?

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking allopurinol (Zyloprim)?

You should not take allopurinol if you are allergic to it.

To make sure you can safely take allopurinol, tell your doctor if you have any of these other conditions:

• kidney disease;
• liver disease;
• diabetes;
• congestive heart failure;
• high blood pressure; or
• if you are receiving any chemotherapy.

FDA pregnancy category C. It is not known whether allopurinol will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant while using this medication.

Allopurinol can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How should I take allopurinol (Zyloprim)?

Take exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not take in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended. Follow the directions on your prescription label.

Your doctor may occasionally change your dose to make sure you get the best results.

Take each dose with a full glass of water. To reduce your risk of kidney stones forming, drink 8 to 10 full glasses of fluid every day, unless your doctor tells you otherwise.

You may have gout attacks more often when you first start taking allopurinol. Your doctor may recommend other gout medication to take with allopurinol. Keep using your medication as directed and tell your doctor if your symptoms do not improve after a few months of treatment.

Allopurinol can lower blood cells that help your body fight infections. This can make it easier for you to bleed from an injury or get sick from being around others who are ill. Your blood may need to be tested often. Visit your doctor regularly.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.