Generic Zyloprim

Zyloprim, which is generically prescribed as allopurinol, is commonly used to treat kidney stones and gout. It prevents the build up of uric acid in the body which can lead to kidney stones and worsens gout. It is also used to prevent uric acid build up in people being treated for cancer.

Zyloprim is not appropriate for everyone. A thorough medical history should be evaluated prior to prescribing this medication. Patients with a medical history that includes a previous allergic reaction, high blood pressure, congestive heart failure, diabetes, liver disease, or kidney disease may not be able to take Zyloprim or may require careful monitoring while undergoing drug therapy with this medication, depending on the condition or the severity of the condition.

The American Food and Drug Administration rated Zyloprim as a pregnancy risk category C, which means that this medication has been proven to cause harm or birth defects in unborn babies. Zyloprim has been proven to pass through the mother’s breast milk and can affect a nursing baby. The prescribing physician should avoid prescribing this medication to pregnant or nursing women, or women who are likely to become pregnant.

There is a risk of side effects associated with Zyloprim, some of which are severe. A patient experiencing a serious side effect or an allergic reaction should seek immediate medical attention. An allergic reaction will present with symptoms which include facial swelling, including swelling of the lips, mouth, throat, or tongue, hives, and difficulty breathing. Other serious side effects which require medical attention include pain when urinating, bleeding when urinating, decreased urination, inability to urinate, fever, sore throat, headache accompanied by blistering, peeling, or red skin rash, bruising, numbness, tingling, muscle weakness, pain, chills, body aches, flu symptoms, jaundice, or convulsions. Emergency medical attention is required if the patient develops a skin rash, no matter how minor.

Other less serious side effects typically do not require emergency medical attention but should be reported to the prescribing physician. Patients should be encouraged to report all side effects. Less serious side effects include symptoms such as dizziness, drowsiness, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, sweating, or joint pain. Less serious side effects often can be reduced to a tolerable level by reducing the dosage of Zyloprim.

Zyloprim should be taken exactly as prescribed. If the patient misses a dose, the dose should be taken as soon as it is remembered. However, if it is almost time for the next scheduled dose, the missed dose should be skipped to avoid the potential for an overdose. The patient should never take a double dose of this medication. If an overdose is suspected, the patient should seek immediate medical intervention. An overdose will present with symptoms which include serious dizziness, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and joint pain.

There is a risk of negative drug interactions associated with Zyloprim. Patients should be urged to inquire with the prescribing physician before taking any new medications, including over the counter medications and herbal remedies, Medications that are known to cause a negative interaction with Zyloprim include cyclosporine, azathioprine, chlorpropamide, mercaptopurine, antibiotics, blood thinners, and diuretics.

Patients should be instructed to avoid individuals with contagious diseases, including the flu, HIV, and the common cold. Patients should avoid alcoholic beverages while taking Zyloprim.