Description
Allopurinol is indicated for treatment of 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 to Use
Allopurinol is taken by mouth. Consult your doctor regarding the dosage suitable for your condition. To avoid stomach upset take Allopurinol with a meal. It is advised to drink extra fluids while undergoing treatment with Allopurinol. It may take 2 to 6 weeks to receive the full benefit of Allopurinol. Continue taking Allopurinol even if you feel well.

Warnings/Precautions
Before taking Allopurinol, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially if you have allergies to medicines, foods or other substances, if you have kidney or liver disease, heart problems (e.g., congestive heart failure), bone marrow problems, high blood pressure or diabetes, if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant or are breast–feeding. If you become pregnant, contact your doctor. You will need to discuss the benefits and risks of using Allopurinol while you are pregnant. Allopurinol is found in breast milk. If you are or will be breast–feeding while you use Allopurinol, check with your doctor. Discuss any possible risks to your baby. Some medicines may interact with Allopurinol. Therefore tell your doctor of all prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement that you are taking. You may experience an increase in gout attacks for several months after you begin taking Allopurinol. Your doctor may give you another medicine (colchicine) to help decrease these gout attacks. Contact your doctor if you experience frequent or severe gout attacks. Lab tests, including uric acid levels and kidney and liver function, may be performed while you use Allopurinol. These tests may be used to monitor your condition or check for side effects. Be sure to keep all doctor and lab appointments. Allopurinol is not useful for relieving an acute gout attack.

Missed Dose
If you miss a dose take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.

Possible Side Effects
Some of the possible side effects are – diarrhea and nausea. Contact your doctor if any of these or other side effects occur. If you experience any of the following serious side effects, you should seek medical attention immediately – allergic reactions (rash, hives, itching, difficulty breathing, tightness in the chest, swelling of the mouth, face, lips or tongue), blood in urine or painful urination, dark urine, fever, chills or sore throat, irritation of the eyes, joint pain, loss of appetite, red, swollen, blistered or peeling skin, stomach pain, unexplained weight loss, unusual bruising or bleeding, unusual muscle pain or weakness, yellowing of the skin or eyes.

Storage
Store this medication at room temperature, between 68 – 77 °F (20 – 25 °C). Store away from heat, moisture and light (not in the bathroom). Keep Allopurinol out of the reach of children.

Overdose
If overdose is suspected seek medical attention immediately.

More Information
Allopurinol may cause dizziness or lightheadedness. These effects may worsen if Allopurinol is taken with alcohol. Use Allopurinol with caution. Do not drive or perform other possibly unsafe tasks until you know how you react to this drug. Follow the diet and exercise program given to you by your health care provider. If your symptoms do not improve or if they worsen, contact your doctor. Allopurinol should be used only by the patient for whom it has been prescribed. Do not take less or more or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.

Disclaimer
This is only general information, it does not cover all directions, drug integrations or precautions. You should not rely on it for any purpose; it does not contain any specific instructions for a particular patient. We disclaim all responsibility for the accuracy and reliability of this information. We`re not responsible for any damage.