Allopurinol For Gout
What is Allopurinol
Allopurinol is one of the drugs prescribed for people who suffer from gout. It prevents gout attacks and flares by reducing the amount of uric acid produced in the body. Uric acid is the byproduct of purines in food. Too much of it can result in a buildup causing a gout attack. That’s why when you have gout, you are often advised by your doctor to limit your consumption of high purine foods such as meat, seafood, and alcohol.
Allopurinol also for treating certain types of kidney stones. When buying allopurinol at the pharmacy, the brand names you will find will often be Zyloric and Uricto.
Allopurinol Dosage
Depending on how bad your gout is, you will be given a prescription of between 50mg to 900mg. The typical dosage, however, is 300mg a day. Make sure you are drinking a full glass of water when taking allopurinol. Your doctor may start you on a lower dose and increase it depending on how much you need. If you have kidney or liver disease, you may need to stick to a lower dose. To make sure you are getting the optimal dosage, you will be asked by your doctor to have regular uric acid tests.
You are not advised to start taking allopurinol after a gout attack. Your doctor will tell you to wait for it to pass before you can begin taking the drug.
If it works for you, you will need to take allopurinol for the rest of your life. This is to help prevent gout attacks and kidney stones. You don’t have to worry about long-term effects since allopurinol is considered a safe drug to take for a long period.
It’s taken orally and preferably with a meal so as to avoid stomach upset. For high doses, your doctor might tell you to split the dose and take it twice a day. To make sure you are taking allopurinol everyday, it’s best that you take it at the same time, so you don’t forget. If you do forget, take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If a day has already passed, you can skip that dose you missed from the previous day. You want to avoid making up for a missed dose by double dosing.
If you stop, your gout could get worse or you may experience some side effects. Do not stop taking allopurinol without the advice of your doctor. They will likely lower your dose so as to avoid any unwanted side effects.
Allopurinol should be stored in a cool, dark area with a room temperature between 59–77 degrees F. Keep it away from light and moisture as this can affect its quality.
Allopurinol Effects
One thing about taking allopurinol is that it will take a few weeks, even months before it takes effect. In the meantime, you can expect to experience more gout attacks. This is because the body is in the process of removing extra uric acid. To cope with the painful flares, make sure you have colchicine, ibuprofen, and NSAIDs ready. It’s also good to have your doctor’s number on speed dial in case you need advice on what to do. Over time, you will notice that allopurinol is doing its job of regulating your uric acid levels to a healthy level.
A common side effect of taking allopurinol is feeling sick. A more rare but serious side effect is also skin rashes that can develop into Stevens-Johnson syndrome. This is when the patient develops flu-like symptoms which is then followed by a red or purple colored rash which spreads and turns into blisters. The area where the rash is usually dies on its own and peels off.
The only times this can happen is during the first two months of taking the drug or when your dosage is increased too quickly. It can also occur if you stop taking it abruptly for a few days and then start taking the same dose as you did before. If you do decide to stop taking allopurinol, it is better to restart again with a smaller dose and then gradually increase it. To be absolutely safe, you’ll want to talk with your doctor before doing this.
Other rare side effects, if they occur, you should bring up with your doctor include:
● The whites of your eyes or your skin is yellow
● Swollen glands
● High temperature
● Sore throat
● Bruising for no reason
● Bleeding gums
● Unusual thirst
● Going to the toilet more frequently
● Unusual tiredness
● Unusual weight loss
● Blurred vision
You might also have an allergic reaction to allopurinol.
Take note: allopurinol is NOT a pain reliever. It simply helps manage your uric acid to prevent a gout flare. If you need a pain reliever, refer to the three drugs we mentioned above.
Who Can Take Allopurinol
Allopurinol can be taken by adults. It can also sometimes be taken by children. If you have problems with your liver or kidneys, have thyroid problems, are experiencing a gout attack, or have an allergic reaction, you want to talk to your doctor before taking allopurinol.
If you are trying to conceive, are pregnant, or breastfeeding, you also cannot take allopurinol as there is not enough evidence that proves it’s safe.
Allopurinol Drug Interactions
Certain medicines may interact with allopurinol causing unwanted side effects. If you are taking any of the following medicines, make sure to talk to your doctor first before you begin taking allopurinol:
● Aspirins or other medicines that thin your blood
● Antibiotics
● Medications used for reducing your immune response
● Diuretics
● ACE inhibitors
● Aluminium hydroxide
Allopurinol and Supplements
If you plan to take other supplements along with allopurinol, speak to your doctor first.
Aside from taking allopurinol, there are other lifestyle changes you can make to help manage your gout symptoms. These include:
● Drinking plenty of water
● Avoiding high purine foods
● Avoiding sugary drinks
● Limiting your alcohol intake
● Losing weight
We hope this gave you a deeper understanding of allopurinol and its role in treating your gout symptoms. What are your thoughts about this drug? How long have you taken it? Any adverse side effects while taking it? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
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Disclaimer: This article is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional for any health concerns.
