Allopurinol

Dosage Forms Available

• Allopurinol is available for use via oral route in the form of tablets and intravenous powder for injection.

Age and Dose Restrictions

• Allopurinol is a medicine meant for adults and children above the age of 10 years.

Contraindications

• This medicine is not recommended for patients having a known allergy to Allopurinol. It is also contraindicated in patients of Han Chinese, Thai or Korean origin.

Other Medications to Avoid

• Allopurinol can interact with medicines such as antibiotics (e.g., ampicillin or amoxicillin), blood thinners (e.g., warfarin, coumadin), and some diuretics (e.g., hydrochlorothiazide, chlorthalidone).

Overdose and Missed Dose

• An overdose of Allopurinol might lead to nausea, diarrhoea, dizziness, and even skin rashes. In such cases, immediate medical attention should be sought.
• If a dose is missed, it should be taken as soon as remembered. However, if the time for the next dose is near, the missed dose must be skipped to prevent double dosing.

Management of Side Effects

Most side effects are temporary and generally harmless and resolve when discontinuing this medicine. However, if you experience any severe side effects or worsening symptoms, please consult your doctor. Here are some tips to manage common side effects:

• Take this medicine with food and drink plenty of water to manage diarrhoea.

Use in Driving and Operating Machinery

• Allopurinol may sometimes cause dizziness or sleepiness. It is, therefore, advisable to avoid driving or operating heavy machinery after taking this medication.

Use in Pregnancy and Lactation

• The use of Allopurinol during pregnancy or breastfeeding should be discussed with your doctor as it may pose risks to the infant. It is important to consult a doctor before using this medicine while pregnant or breastfeeding.

Caution in Other Conditions

• It is contraindicated in patients with existing liver or kidney conditions. It is also contraindicated in patients with a gene variation called HLA-B*58:01 allele and receiving chemotherapy.

Special Dietary and Lifestyle Recommendations

• Maintain a low-purine diet by avoiding foods high in purines like seafood, organ meats, and alcoholic beverages to manage gout.