Drug Uses

Zyloprim is used to treat gout. It is also used in the treatment of high uric acid levels in blood or urine that is caused by certain types of cancer chemotherapy. It can also be used in the treatment of calcium oxalate kidney stones and high amounts of uric acid in the urine. It might also be used by your doctor in other cases as he deems fit.

Usage

Following the dosage instructions of your doctor is the best way to use any medication. If you are unsure or do not remember the instructions then you may read the medicine label for more detailed information.

You may choose to take Zyloprim with a meal to avoid an upset stomach.

Please drink extra fluids with Zyloprim.

It is very important that you complete the dosage schedule and do not interrupt it in between without seeking prior consultation from your doctor.

Taking your medication at the same time each day is a tried and tested method to avoid missing any doses.

Drug Class and Mechanism

Zyloprim is categorized as a xanthine oxidase inhibitor. It helps to lower the body's production of uric acid. Uric acid is caused by breakdown of purines in food. It can form crystals in the tissues of the body and cause inflammation of gout. High uric acid level in blood also causes kidney disease and stones. Allopurinol is thus used to prevent uric acid kidney stones and to prevent recurrent gouty arthritis attacks.

Missed Dose

Despite your best attempts at remembering, if you still miss out on a dose, then take it as soon as you remember about it. But keep in mind that you will have to adjust your next dose by spacing it out by 4 to 5 hours. If this is not possible, then the best thing to do would be to skip the missed dose and continue with your normal dosage schedule.

Never try to compensate for the missed dose by taking a double dose together. It may cause adverse effects.

Storage

Store Zyloprim at 15-25 degrees C (59-77 degrees F). Always keep it in a cool dark place that is not directly exposed to sources of heat or moisture and sunlight.

Warning/Precautions

Doctors advise against using Zyloprim if you are allergic to any ingredient in it.

Discuss your past/current medical history in detail with your doctor before beginning treatment with any new medication. If you are using any herbal supplements or over the counter medication, including vitamin pills, then mention it to your doctor.

Mention to your doctor before using the medicine if you have conditions like:
allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances
kidney or liver disease, heart problems (eg, congestive heart failure), bone marrow problems, high blood pressure, or diabetes.

There are some medicines that may interact with The Drug like:
Amoxicillin or ampicillin because the risk of developing a skin rash may be increased
Chlorpropamide because the risk of low blood sugar may be increased
Dicumarol or oral anticoagulants (eg, warfarin) because the risk of bleeding may be increased by Zyloprim
Thiazide diuretics (eg, hydrochlorothiazide) or uricosurics (eg, probenecid) because they may increase the risk of Zyloprim 's side effects
Cyclosporine or thiopurines (eg, azathioprine, mercaptopurine) because the risk of their side effects may be increased by Zyloprim

Pregnancy Info

If you are expecting a child or are planning to have a child in the near future, then consult your doctor before using Zyloprim to discuss any possible threats to the unborn baby.

If you are a nursing mother and breast feed your baby, then too, seek consultation before using Zyloprim as some drugs are excreted in the breast milk and may enter the baby.