Generic name:allopurinol (oral route) [ al-oh-PURE-i-nol ]
Drug classes:Antigout agents, Antihyperuricemic agents
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Apr 23, 2022.
Commonly used brand name(s)
In the U.S.
- Zyloprim
Available Dosage Forms:
- Tablet
Therapeutic Class: Antigout
Pharmacologic Class: Xanthine Oxidase Inhibitor
Uses for Zyloprim
Allopurinol is used to prevent or lower high uric acid levels in the blood. It is also used to prevent or lower excess uric acid levels caused by cancer medicines or in patients with kidney stones. A high uric acid level can cause gout or gouty arthritis (joint pain and inflammation). Allopurinol is a xanthine oxidase inhibitor that works by decreasing the uric acid produced by the body.
This medicine is available only with your doctor's prescription.
Before using Zyloprim
In deciding to use a medicine, the risks of taking the medicine must be weighed against the good it will do. This is a decision you and your doctor will make. For this medicine, the following should be considered:
Allergies
Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to this medicine or any other medicines. Also tell your health care professional if you have any other types of allergies, such as to foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals. For non-prescription products, read the label or package ingredients carefully.
Pediatric
Appropriate studies performed to date have not demonstrated pediatric-specific problems that would limit the usefulness of allopurinol in children with high uric acid levels caused by cancer.
Geriatric
No information is available on the relationship of age to the effects of allopurinol in geriatric patients.
Breastfeeding
There are no adequate studies in women for determining infant risk when using this medication during breastfeeding. Weigh the potential benefits against the potential risks before taking this medication while breastfeeding.
