Zyloprim (Allopurinol)
| Generic Name | Allopurinol |
| Brand Names | Zyloprim (Allopurinol) |
| Manufacturer | Prometheus Laboratories Inc. |
| Ingredients | Allopurinol |
| Drug Class | Xanthine Oxidase Inhibitors |
| Controlled Status | Not a Controlled Substance |
| Availability | Prescription Medication only |
What is Zyloprim (Allopurinol) ?
Zyloprim (Allopurinol) is used to treat gout, hyperuricemia (an excess of uric acid buildup in the body) and kidney stones. It is also used to lower uric acid levels in individuals undergoing treatment for specific types of cancer.
It belongs to a class of medications known as xanthine oxidase inhibitors The mechanism of action for allopurinol involves reducing the production of uric acid within the body.
Additionally, it is prescribed to prevent gout attacks.
Gout is a type of inflammatory arthritis characterized by severe swelling and pain.
What is Zyloprim (Allopurinol) Used for?
Zyloprim is used to treat Gout, Recurrent Kidney Stones (Kidney Stones that Keep Coming Back) and reducing High Uric Acid In Cancer.
How Does Zyloprim (Allopurinol) Work?
Zyloprim (Allopurinol)) works by inhibiting an enzyme known as xanthine oxidase, which is responsible for producing uric acid. This action effectively reduces the levels of uric acid in your body. Maintaining lower uric acid levels can help prevent gout attacks and the formation of kidney stones.
Dosage of Zyloprim (Allopurinol)
| Condition | Age Group | Dosage |
| Gout | Adults (18–64 years) | Typical starting dose: 100 mg per day Dose Adjustments: Increase by 100 mg per week until desired serum uric acid level is reached Usual Dose: Mild Gout: 200–300 mg per day Moderate to Severe Gout: 400–600 mg per day Maximum Dose: 800 mg per day in divided doses |
| Children (0–17 years) | Not studied or recommended for use in this age group for gout. | |
| Seniors (65 years and older) | Lowered dose or different dosing schedule based on kidney function. | |
| Elevated Serum Uric Acid due to Cancer Treatment | Adults (18–64 years) | 600–800 mg per day for 2 or 3 days. |
| Children (11–17 years) | 600–800 mg per day for 2 or 3 days. | |
| Children (6–10 years) | 300 mg per day. Dose adjusted based on serum uric acid level. | |
| Children (0–5 years) | 150 mg per day. Dose adjusted based on serum uric acid level. | |
| Seniors(65 years and older) | Lowered dose or different dosing schedule based on kidney function. | |
| Recurrent Kidney Stones | Adults (18–64 years) | Typical dosage: 200–300 mg per day in single or divided doses. |
| Children (0–17 years) | Not studied or recommended for use in this age group for recurrent kidney stones. | |
| Seniors (65 years and older) | Lowered dose or different dosing schedule based on kidney function. |
What Are the Side Effects of Zyloprim (Allopurinol)?
Common Side Effects
- Diarrhea
- Drowsiness
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Stomach upset
- Changes in taste
Serious Side Effects
- Allergic reactions: Skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat and redness, blistering, peeling or loosening of the skin, including inside the mouth.
- Kidney injury: Decrease in the amount of urine, swelling of the ankles, hands or feet.
- Liver injury: Right upper belly pain, loss of appetite, nausea, light-colored stool, dark yellow or brown urine, yellowing of the skin or eyes, unusual weakness or fatigue.
- Lymph Nodes: Rash, fever and swollen lymph nodes.
Contact your healthcare provider for guidance regarding any potential side effects. You can also report side effects to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) by calling 1-800-FDA-1088.
What Happens if I Miss a Dose?
Administer a missed dose promptly as soon as you remember it. If your next scheduled dose is approaching, omit the missed dose and resume your regular dosing schedule. Avoid taking two doses simultaneously or additional doses.
What Happens if I Overdose?
Symptoms can include:
- Skin Rash
- Diarrhea
- Nausea
- Changes in your Liver Function Test Results
- Gout Flare-Up (If You Have Gout)
- In case of a medical emergency, please seek immediate medical assistance or contact the Poison Help Line at 1-800-222-1222. Information is also available online at poisonhelp.org
Nevertheless, if you are experiencing severe symptoms, please do not hesitate to dial 911 (or your Local Emergency Number) immediately or proceed to the nearest emergency room for immediate medical attention. Your safety and well-being are paramount.
Pros and Cons of Zyloprim (Allopurinol)
| Pros | Cons |
| Effective in lowering uric acid levels. | Initial use may increase gout attacks. |
| Commonly used and available as a generic. | Does not treat active gout attacks. |
| Flexible dosing, can be taken once or multiple times. | Full effects may take 2 to 6 weeks to manifest. |
| Complementary with gout attack medications. | Requires multiple lab tests to determine the appropriate dose. |
| Can be taken with or without food. | Possible side effect of drowsiness (sleepiness) |
Interaction Between Zyloprim (Allopurinol) and other Drugs
- Didanosine, DDI
- Antibiotics like Amoxicillin, Ampicillin
- Medicines for Cancer
- Immunosuppression like Azathioprine, Cyclosporine, Mercaptopurine
- Chlorpropamide
- Probenecid
- Thiazide Diuretics, Like Hydrochlorothiazide
- Sulfinpyrazone
- Warfarin
What Are the Risks and Warnings for Zyloprim (Allopurinol) ?
Zyloprim (Allopurinol) and Allergy Warning
If you experience a skin rash, discontinue the use of this medication and get in touch with your doctor promptly. A skin rash could potentially be the initial indication of a severe allergic reaction to the medication.
Zyloprim (Allopurinol) and Alcohol Warning
Alcohol consumption may worsen your condition. Zyloprim (Allopurinol) may influence your cognitive functions and response times. While alcohol is generally not thought to directly affect the efficacy of allopurinol, it’s essential to understand that drinking alcohol can elevate urate levels in the blood and excessive alcohol consumption might trigger a gout attack.
Warning With People with Certain Health Conditions
- Diabetes
- Congestive Heart Failure
- High Blood Pressure
- On Chemotherapy Treatment
- Liver Disease
- Kidney Disease.
Warning with other Groups
Zyloprim (Allopurinol) and Breastfeeding
This medication can pass into breast milk. If you are breastfeeding and taking allopurinol, it might have an impact on your baby. It’s essential to have a conversation with your doctor to determine whether you should continue breastfeeding.
Zyloprim (Allopurinol) and Pregnancy
Allopurinol is not advised for women who are pregnant or planning to become pregnant unless the potential advantages outweigh the potential risks. If you are pregnant or could become pregnant, it’s important to have a discussion with your doctor regarding the risks and benefits of using this medication.
Expiration, Storage and Disposal
Do not use your Zyloprim (Allopurinol) after the expiration date indicated on the packaging.
Store allopurinol at room temperature, maintaining it between 68°F and 77°F (20°C and 25°C).
Ensure it is shielded from exposure to light. Avoid storing this medication in humid or damp locations, such as bathrooms.
The recommended and responsible way to dispose of medication is to contact your local waste disposal company or participate in a medication take-back program. You can find additional information on proper medication disposal to ensure safe and environmentally-friendly disposal practices. If Zyloprim (Allopurinol) has expired or is no longer required, it should not be flushed down the toilet.
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What Are the Alternatives of Zyloprim (Allopurinol) ?
- Uloric (Febuxostat)
FAQs
If you are caring for a patient who is undergoing allopurinol therapy for chronic gout, it is essential to regularly assess their renal and liver function throughout the treatment. Additionally, you should advise them to enhance their fluid intake to reduce the risk of kidney stone formation. Further Clinical assessment, drug administration (implementation) and the assessment of treatment outcomes is considered.
During clinical trials of allopurinol, a few individuals reported experiencing hair loss. It’s important to note that hair loss is not a commonly observed side effect of allopurinol. Hair loss doesn’t always entail complete baldness; instead, it may manifest as a noticeable thinning of the hair.
Allopurinol belongs to a class of drugs known as xanthine oxidase inhibitors. Its mechanism of action involves lowering the production of uric acid in the body. Elevated uric acid levels can lead to gout attacks or the formation of kidney stones. Allopurinol is primarily used as a preventive measure to reduce the occurrence of gout attacks, rather than as a treatment for acute gout episodes.
Allopurinol operates by diminishing the body’s production of uric acid. Elevated levels of uric acid can lead to conditions such as gout and kidney problems. Allopurinol is accessible under various brand names, including Zyloprim (Allopurinol) and Aloprim.
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