Allopurinol (Systemic)
Brand Names : Aloprim, Zyloprim, Apo-Allopurinol, Purinol
Before Using This MedicineIn deciding to use a medicine,
the risks of taking the medicine must be weighed against the good it will
do. This is a decision you and your doctor will make. For allopurinol, the
following should be considered:
Allergies - Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or
allergic reaction to allopurinol. Also tell your health care professional
if you are allergic to any other substances, such as foods, preservatives,
or dyes.
Pregnancy - Although studies on birth defects have not been done
in pregnant women, allopurinol has not been reported to cause problems in
humans. In one study in mice, large amounts of allopurinol caused birth defects
and other unwanted effects. However, allopurinol did not cause birth defects
or other problems in rats or rabbits given doses up to 20 times the amount
usually given to humans.
Breast-feeding - Allopurinol passes into the breast milk. Mothers
who are taking this medicine and who wish to breast-feed should discuss this
with their doctor.
Children - This medicine has been tested in children and, in
effective doses, has not been shown to cause different side effects or problems
than it does in adults.
Older adults - Many medicines have not been studied specifically
in older people. Therefore, it may not be known whether they work exactly
the same way they do in younger adults or if they cause different side effects
or problems in older people. There is no specific information comparing use
of allopurinol in the elderly with use in other age groups.
Other medicines - Although certain medicines should not be used
together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together
even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to
change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. When you are taking
allopurinol, it is especially important that your doctor and pharmacist know
if you are taking any of the following:
-
Anticoagulants (blood thinners) - Allopurinol may increase the
chance of bleeding; changes in the dose of the anticoagulant may be needed,
depending on blood test results
-
Azathioprine (e.g., Imuran) or
-
Mercaptopurine (e.g., Purinethol) - Allopurinol may cause higher
blood levels of azathioprine or mercaptopurine, leading to an increased chance
of serious side effects
Other medical problems - The presence of other medical
problems may affect the use of allopurinol. Make sure you tell your doctor
if you have any other medical problems, especially:
-
Congestive heart disease or
-
Diabetes mellitus (sugar diabetes) or
-
High blood pressure or
-
Kidney disease - There is an increased risk of severe allergic
reactions or other serious effects; a change in the dose of allopurinol may
be needed
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