al-oh-PURE-I-nole
Allopurinol prevents gout and stops crystals (kidney stones) from forming in the urine. Chemotherapy can sometimes cause gout or make crystals form in the urine.
This medicine may be called by its brand names, Zyloprim®, Purinol®, or Aloprim®.
Allopurinol is taken by mouth or injected into the veins.
Allopurinol may be taken with or without food. Take allopurinol with food if it upsets your stomach.
Store allopurinol tablets at room temperature away from heat, moisture, and direct light.
Drink extra fluids (about ten to twelve 8 ounce glasses per day) while you are getting allopurinol so you will urinate more. This helps prevent gout and flush the crystals from your system.
Avoid large amounts of Vitamin C to prevent kidney stone formation.
Avoid eating large amounts of purine-rich foods such as sweetbreads, anchovies, or sardines. Avoid drinking excessive amounts of alcoholic beverages. These things can cause gout or make it worse.
Know how the medication affects you before driving or doing anything else where you need to be very alert, coordinated, or nimble.
Take the missed dose right away if you skip or forget to take a dose of allopurinol. If it is almost time for the next dose, do not take the missed dose but return to your regular schedule. Do not increase your dose to make up for a missed dose.
Call your doctor if you are worried about a side effect or have questions about your medical care.
Call the doctor at once if you have any of these side effects:
Call the doctor as soon as you can if you have any of these side effects: