Allopurinol is used to treat gout or kidney stones, and to decrease levels of uric acid in people who are receiving cancer treatment. It works by reducing the production of uric acid in the body. High levels of uric acid may cause gout attacks or kidney stones. Allopurinol is used to prevent gout attacks, not to treat them once they occur.
Before taking Allopurinol
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;
allergic to any other medications;
pregnant or plan to become pregnant;
Allopurinol side effects:
Gastrointestinal
Gastrointestinal side effects have included nausea (in up to 1.8 percent), vomiting (greater than 1% to less than or equal to 3%), diarrhea (in up to 1.5 percent), indigestion and heartburn.
Nervous system
Nervous system side effects have been reported extremely rarely and included dizziness (greater than 0.1% to less than or equal to 1%), headache.
Musculoskeletal
Musculoskeletal side effects have included joint pain, muscle pain, acute attacks of gout.
Dermatologic side effects have included pruritus, skin rash (in up to 1.7 percent).
Genitourinary
Genitourinary side effects have included painful urination (greater than 1% to less than or equal to 3%), blood in the urine.
Respiratory
Respiratory side effects have included wheezing, difficulty breathing and swallowing.
Other
Other side effects have included nosebleeds, hair loss, loss of appetite.
What other information should I know?
If taken with adequate care and in appropriate dosage, it usually, does not produce severe side effects. However, if you are already suffering from some medical conditions like, liver and kidney diseases, congestive heart failure diabetes and high blood pressure, then never take allopurinol without the approval of your physician. Similarly, individuals who have earlier experienced allergic reaction to tor any other medication, as well as pregnant and nursing mothers should also take it only after discussing with their physicians.
