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Introduction of Allopurinol
Allopurinol is used to treat gout, high levels
of uric acid in the body caused by certain cancer medications,
and kidney stones. Allopurinol is in a class of medications
called xanthine oxidase inhibitors. 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.
Allopurinol is also sometimes used to treat
seizures, pain caused by pancreas disease, and certain
infections. It is also sometimes used to improve survival
after bypass surgery, to reduce ulcer relapses, and to prevent
rejection of kidney transplants. Talk to your doctor about the
possible risks of using this medication for your condition.
Side Effects of Allopurinol
Allopurinol may cause side effects. Tell your
doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:
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upset stomach
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diarrhea
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drowsiness
Some side effects can be serious. The following
symptoms are uncommon, but if you experience any of them, call
your doctor immediately:
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skin rash
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painful urination
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blood in the urine
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irritation of the eyes
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swelling of the lips or mouth
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fever, sore throat, chills, and other signs of infection
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loss of appetite
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unexpected weight loss
-
itching
Storage Conditions for Allopurinol
Keep this medication in the container it came
in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at
room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not
in the bathroom). Throw away any medication that is outdated
or no longer needed. Talk to your pharmacist about the proper
disposal of your medication.
Disclaimer:
Information on this page is provided for general
information purposes. You should not make a clinical treatment
decision based on information contained in this page without
consulting other references including the package insert of
the drug, textbooks and where relevant, expert opinion. We
cannot be held responsible for any errors you make in
administering drugs mentioned on this page, nor for use of any
erroneous information contained on this page.
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