Allopurinol? For what?

uses of Allopurinol

Allopurinol is an enzyme blocker that lowers high levels of uric acid in your body by decreasing amount produced. It is used to treat gout and certain types of kidney stones. Allopurinol is also used to prevent high uric acid levels in patients who receive cancer chemotherapy. Cancer cells that are destroyed with therapy release large amounts of uric acid into bloodstream.

how to use of Allopurinol

Take Allopurinol by mouth usually once daily after a meal to reduce stomach upset, or as directed by your doctor. It is best to drink a full glass of water with each dose and at least another 8 glasses ( 8 oz. each ) a day while taking Allopurinol in order to prevent kidney stones from forming. If you're on restricted fluid intake, consult your doctor for further instructions. Your doctor may also instruct we on how to decrease acidity in your urine ( e. g. , avoid large amounts of ascorbic acid or Vitamin C ) .

Dosage is based on your medical condition and response to therapy. Use Allopurinol regularly to get most benefit from it. Remember to take it at the same time each day.

For the treatment of gout, it may take up to several weeks for this medicine to have an effect. We may experience an increase in number of gouty attacks for several weeks to months after starting this medicine while body rids itself of excess uric acid. Allopurinol isn't a pain reliever. To relieve pain, continue to take your prescribed medicines for gouty attacks ( e. g. , colchicine, ibuprofen, indomethacin ) as directed by your doctor.

side effects of Allopurinol

Stomach upset, nausea, diarrhea, unusual taste, acute gouty attacks, or drowsiness may occur while use Allopurinol as your body adjusts to Allopurinol. If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor or pharmacist promptly.

Remember that your doctor has prescribed Allopurinol because he or she has judged that the benefit to we is greater than risk of side effects. Many people using Allopurinol don't have serious side effects.

Tell your doctor immediately if any of these highly unlikely but very serious side effects occur:

Allopurinol may rarely cause very serious ( possibly fatal ) allergic reactions. Stop taking Allopurinol and seek immediate medical attention if any of these allergic reaction symptoms occur:

This isn't a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

precautions of Allopurinol

Before taking Allopurinol, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if we have any other allergies.

Before using Allopurinol, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of:

Allopurinol may make you drowsy; use caution engaging in activities requiring alertness such as driving or using machinery.

Alcohol may decrease effectiveness of Allopurinol. Limit alcoholic beverages.

Allopurinol should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss risks and benefits with your doctor.

Allopurinol passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

interactions of Allopurinol

Your healthcare professionals ( e. g. , doctor or pharmacist ) may already be aware of any possible drug interactions and may be monitoring you for it. Do not start, stop or change dosage of any medicine before checking with them first.

Allopurinol shouldn't be used with the following medication because very serious interactions may occur while use Allopurinol:

If we are currently using Allopurinol, tell your doctor or pharmacist before starting Allopurinol.

Before using Allopurinol, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and nonprescription/herbal products we may use, especially of:

This document does not contain all possible interactions. Therefore, before using Allopurinol, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all products we use. Keep a list of all your medications with you, and share list with your doctor and pharmacist.

overdose of Allopurinol

If overdose of Allopurinol is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. US residents can call the US national poison hotline at 1-800-222-1222. Canadian residents should call their local poison control center directly.

notes of Allopurinol

Don't share Allopurinol with others.

Laboratory and/or medical tests ( e. g. , uric acid blood levels, liver and kidney function tests in certain patients, complete blood count ) should be performed periodically to monitor your progress or check for side effects. Consult your doctor for more details.

If you're taking Allopurinol to treat kidney stones, you may benefit from a special diet. Consult your doctor for more details.

missed dose of Allopurinol

If you miss a dose Allopurinol, take it as soon as we remember. If it's near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Don't double dose of Allopurinol to catch up.

storage of Allopurinol

Store US product at room temperature between 59-77 degrees F ( 15-25 degrees C ) away from light and moisture. Don't store Allopurinol in bathroom.

Store the Canadian product at room temperature between 59-86 degrees F ( 15-30 degrees C ) away from light and moisture.

Keep all medicines away from children and pets.

Properly discard Allopurinol when it's expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company for more details about how to safely discard your product.

Allopurinol with EU shipping

Society Director Takes Up New Role With Bar Standards Board

The Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain announced that Director of Fitness to Practise and Legal Affairs ( FTP ) , Mandie Lavin, has been appointed as Director of Bar Standards Board and will take up her new role on 23 June 2008. Mandie, who joined the Society in September 2003, has overseen modernising of FTP Directorate which plays an important role in protecting public and patients and regulates profession through monitoring and ensuring compliance with Society's standards of conduct, performance and fitness to practise.

Commenting on her move, Mandie said:

" My role at Society has been challenging and rewarding and I am proud of the work I and my colleagues have achieved during my years at the organisation. Pharmacy is entering a new era and I wish Council and staff colleagues every success as they work towards formation of new professional body and General Pharmaceutical Council. "

The Society's President, Hemant Patel, said:

" I would like to thank Mandie for her hard work and endeavours on behalf of the Society and wider pharmacy profession. Mandie has made a significant contribution to modernisation of the Society's FTP procedures, work which will lay platform for creation of the new General Pharmaceutical Council. On behalf of the Society's Council I would like to wish Mandie all very best in her new role. "

Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain

Take care about yourself. Here is useful health tips for you.