Allopurinol 200mg

Antigout Agent, Xanthine Oxidase Inhibitor

CSA NA – FDA Approved – REMS (N) – Can Ship

Xanthine oxidase is an enzyme that converts hypoxanthine to xanthine to uric acid. Allopurinol/Aloprim/Zyloprim and its metabolite oxypurinol both inhibit this enzyme specifically affecting purine catabolism in a way that reduces the production of uric acid without disrupting the biosynthesis of vital purines.  Crystallization of excessive uric acid in the joints, tendons and surrounding tissues is the cause of gout attacks, therefore lowering uric acid levels lowers risk of gout attacks.

Allopurinol/Aloprim/Zyloprim is indicated for hyperuricemia (Gout), prevention of recurrent nephrolithiasis (prevention of calcium or uric acid (off-label) kidney stones), prevention of tumor lysis syndrome. (may be used for conditions not listed)

Before starting Allopurinol/Aloprim/Zyloprim make sure your physician is aware of any allergies or medications you currently take, if you have liver disease, kidney disease, are pregnant or breastfeeding

Note that when initiating therapy an increase in frequency of gout attacks may occur, so dosages should generally be started low and increased slowly.  In some cases, a bridging therapy may be offered to reduce this risk as the body adjusts to this medication. 

100-800mg daily divided into one to three doses (normally once daily but may be divided to increase gastrointestinal tolerability)

How to Take: Follow instructions provided by physician/pharmacy label, take consistently at same times each day unless otherwise directed, store at room temperature, take with food to reduce adverse gastrointestinal effects.

You Need to Avoid: Avoid stopping and starting this medication without physician involvement and do not miss dosages to avoid increasing risk of acute gout attacks. 

Maculopapular rash, gout attack (usually at initiation of therapy), nausea, renal insufficiency, diarrhea 

Note this is not a complete list of side effects, only common ones

1. Why would my physician prescribe a medication that can cause gout attacks to treat my gout?
   This medication may increase the risk of attacks at the start of therapy or with dosage adjustments however once the correct dosage is found for your needs the frequency of gout attacks should decrease very significantly.
2. I only get a few gout attacks a year, why would my physician want me to take this medication every day for the rest of my life?
   Gout attacks if left untreated will cause small amounts of irreversible joint damage every time that they occur.  Over time a chronic arthritis will form which can become extremely debilitating as it progresses.  While it may seem insignificant now, it will prevent severe loss of joint function in the future which is why it is important to treat in a preventative manner.