Allopurinol: Uses, indications and precautions when using

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Allopurinol is used to treat gout, an increase in uric acid levels in the body caused by certain cancer medications and kidney stones. Allopurinol belongs to a class of drugs known as xanthine oxidase inhibitors. However it works by reducing the production of uric acid in the body.

1. Allopurinol and its uses

Allopurinol is one of the most used drugs to treat gout and certain types of kidney stones. Allopurinol is also used to prevent the risk of increased uric acid levels in patients receiving chemotherapy for cancer. These patients may experience increased uric acid levels due to the release of uric acid from dying cancer cells. Allopurinol works by reducing the amount of uric acid produced by the body. Increased uric acid levels can cause gout and kidney problems.

2. How to use Allopurinol

Allopurinol is taken by mouth, usually one dose per day, or as directed by your doctor. Allopurinol should be taken after meals to minimize the risk of abdominal pain. If a patient's dose is prescribed more than 300mg of allopurinol per day, they will need to take several smaller doses throughout the day to reach an adequate dose. This will require guidance from your doctor.
The best option is to take each dose of Allopurinol with a full glass of water and people who are being treated with Allopurinol should drink plenty of water. In case the patient has some medical condition or condition that is not able to drink more water each day, talk to the doctor for further guidance. Your doctor may also instruct you on ways to reduce acidity in your urine (for example, avoiding large amounts of ascorbic acid/vitamin C). Allopurinol dosage is also based on the patient's medical condition and response to treatment. It should be used regularly for maximum results. To help the patient remember when to take the medication, take it at the same time each day. In the treatment of gout, Allopurinol can take up to several weeks to work. Patients may also experience more acute gout attacks for several months after starting the medication. Note Allopurinol is not a pain reliever. For possible relief of gout attacks, continue to take your prescribed medications (e.g., colchicine, ibuprofen, indomethacin) as directed by your doctor.

3. Indications and precautions when using Allopurinol

Some side effects of allopurino l may include stomach pain, nausea, diarrhea or drowsiness. If any of these effects persist or tend to get worse, notify your treating physician immediately. Remember, doctors prescribe medication, because they have judged that the benefit to the patient outweighs the risk of side effects. However, there are still cases when using the drug does not experience side effects.
Ideally, tell your doctors if any of the following rare but very serious side effects occur: numbness/tingling of arms/legs, easy bleeding/bruising, unusual tiredness, signs of kidney problems (such as change in the amount of urine, pain/blood when urinating), yellowing eyes/skin, severe stomach/abdominal pain, persistent nausea/vomiting, urine dark ... Allopurinol can cause a rash, but in most cases it's not a serious problem.
According to reviews, serious allergic reactions to Allopurinol are very rare but not impossible. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: fever, swollen lymph nodes, rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/ tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.
All of the above reactions are not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist immediately to take corrective measures before it is too late.
Before taking allopurinol, tell your doctor or pharmacist if the patient is allergic to any of the ingredients or if they have had a serious reaction to any of the ingredients. Besides, you also need to note that before using Allopurinol, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history. Examples include: liver disease, kidney disease, diabetes, high blood pressure (hypertension), an irregular diet (eg, fasting). This medicine may make the patient feel drowsy. Therefore, do not drive, use machines, or do anything that requires alertness until they can do it safely. Alcohol can also reduce the effectiveness of Allopurinol, so limit alcoholic beverages.
Each person's kidney function tends to decline as they age. Therefore, older adults may be at greater risk of side effects when using this medicine.

For pregnant women, the drug is only used when absolutely necessary and with the permission of the doctor. In addition, Allopurinol also passes into breast milk, so consult your doctor in case you want to use the drug while breastfeeding.
Allopurinol is a medicine used to treat gout. Allopurinol works by reducing the amount of uric acid in the blood, so it also has the ability to support the treatment of kidney-related diseases. Like other drugs, drug interactions can change the way a drug works or increase the risk of serious side effects. Do not start, stop using, or change the dose of the medicine without your doctor's consent. Allopurinol is an effective and commonly used gout treatment drug. However, not all patients can take it, and there is always a small risk of side effects. Therefore, patients should only take Allopurinol when prescribed by a doctor.
To be safe for your health and the medicine to bring high efficiency during use, you can go to the Department of Musculoskeletal - Vinmec International General Hospital to be examined and consulted by a team of rich doctors expertise from many major hospitals across the country.

Please dial HOTLINE for more information or register for an appointment HERE. Download MyVinmec app to make appointments faster and to manage your bookings easily.

Reference source: webmd.com - rxlist.com - drugs.com