Description
Indications
Zyloprim is a prescription medication indicated for:
- Managing signs and symptoms of primary or secondary gout, including acute attacks, tophi, joint destruction, uric acid lithiasis, and/or nephropathy
- Managing elevated serum and urinary uric acid levels in patients with leukemia, lymphoma, and malignancies receiving cancer therapy
- Managing recurring kidney stones in individuals with high levels of uric acid in their urine.
As a xanthine oxidase inhibitor, Zyloprim inhibits the biochemical reactions preceding the formation of uric acid, thus reducing its production in the body.
Uses and Dosage
Before taking Zyloprim and each time you refill your prescription, carefully read the medication guide and patient information leaflet. If you have any questions or concerns, do not hesitate to seek advice from your doctor or pharmacist.
Zyloprim dosage is determined by the patient’s medical condition and response to the treatment. Initially, a low dose is prescribed and increased gradually, but no more than once per week, as directed by your physician.
Typically, Zyloprim is taken once daily as instructed by a physician, ideally after a meal, to minimize stomach discomfort. If the prescribed dose exceeds 300 milligrams per day, it should be taken in divided doses.
Each dose of Zyloprim should be taken with a full glass of water, and drinking a minimum of eight additional glasses (eight ounces each) daily is recommended.
If your physician has advised reducing fluid intake for medical reasons, seek further instructions from them. They may also provide guidance on decreasing urine acidity, like limiting the intake of ascorbic acid/vitamin C.
For optimal efficacy, take Zyloprim regularly, exactly as directed, approximately at the same time every day. Do not exceed or reduce the prescribed dosage or take it more frequently than directed by your physician.
The risk of gout attacks may increase in the first few months of starting Zyloprim. Do not stop the medication without consulting your doctor. Additional drugs may be prescribed by your doctor to prevent gout attacks.
Side Effects
Listed below are the possible side effects of Zyloprim. Inform your doctor promptly if any of them persist or worsen.
Common Side Effects
- Drowsiness
- Headache
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Stomach discomfort
- Changes in the sense of taste
- Muscle pain
Serious Side Effects
- Numbness or tingling of arms or legs
- Easy bleeding or bruising
- Signs of infection:
- Fever
- Persistent sore throat
- Unusual tiredness
- Painful or bloody urination
- Change in the amount of urine
- Yellowing of eyes or skin
- Severe stomach or abdominal pain
- Persistent nausea or vomiting
- Dark urine
- Unusual weight loss
- Eye pain
- Vision changes
Tell your doctor immediately if you experience any of the rare but severe symptoms listed above.
Allergic Reactions
Rare but severe allergic reactions may occur while taking Zyloprim. Seek emergency medical assistance if you experience any of the following symptoms:
- Rash
- Hives
- Itching
- Red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever
- Wheezing
- Tightness in the chest or throat
- Trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking
- Unusual hoarseness
- Mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat swelling
Serious skin reactions, which may be fatal, are a rare side effect of Zyloprim. Seek immediate medical attention if you experience symptoms such as:
- Skin rash
- Blisters
- Peeling
- Itching
- Swelling
The adverse effects of Zyloprim listed here are not comprehensive. If you experience any other effects not mentioned above, notify your doctor promptly.
Cautions
Before starting treatment with Zyloprim, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any allergies, especially to allopurinol, any medications, or any ingredients present in Zyloprim tablets.
To ensure Zyloprim is safe for you, disclose to your physician your medical background, specifically regarding any history of:
- Liver disease
- Kidney disease
- Diabetes
- Hypertension (high blood pressure)
- Unusual diets such as fasting
Zyloprim may interact with the following products:
- Warfarin
- Capecitabine
- Didanosine
To prevent such drug interactions, inform your healthcare provider about all medications you are currently taking, including prescription and over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, and herbal products.
Zyloprim may cause drowsiness. Do not operate machinery or drive a vehicle until you know the medication’s effects on you.
Inform your physician of your pregnancy status or intentions. The advantages and drawbacks of utilizing Zyloprim during pregnancy should be discussed with your doctor.
Prior to breastfeeding, seek medical advice, as allopurinol can be transmitted through breast milk.