Back to: Allopurinol Brand names, Uses, Indications, Conta interactions, Mode of action and Side effects.
Brands:
Zyloprim, Purinol
Uses:
Allopurinol is a medication used to treat gout, high uric acid levels, and kidney stones caused by high uric acid levels.
Indications:
Allopurinol is indicated for the treatment of patients with gout, hyperuricemia, and recurrent calcium oxalate kidney stones associated with hyperuricosuria.
Contraindications:
Allopurinol is contraindicated in patients with severe kidney or liver impairment, severe hypersensitivity to the drug, and in pregnant and lactating women.
Drug Interactions:
Allopurinol is known to interact with certain drugs such as thiazide diuretics, antacids containing aluminum or magnesium, and certain antibiotics.
Mode of Action:
Allopurinol inhibits the enzyme xanthine oxidase, which is responsible for the production of uric acid in the body. By blocking the action of this enzyme, allopurinol reduces the amount of uric acid produced, and thus helps to prevent gout and kidney stones caused by high levels of uric acid.
Side Effects:
Common side effects of allopurinol include nausea, vomiting, rash, headache, and diarrhea. Rare but serious side effects include kidney failure, liver failure, and bone marrow suppression.