Zyloprim: Agent for Gout

Gout is a painful condition that occurs when the bodily waste product uric acid is deposited as needle-like crystals in the joints and/or soft tissues. In the joints, these uric acid crystals cause inflammatory arthritis, which in turn leads to intermittent swelling, redness, heat, pain, and stiffness in the joints. If your doctor has diagnosed you with gout, chances are he/she has prescribed Zyloprim (allopurinol) as a treatment for gout. In that case, this literature will be beneficial to you to make you more comfortable and aware of Zyloprim.

Zyloprim comes in a tablet form. The white tablets are 100 milligrams, and the orange tablets are 300 milligrams. Zyloprim is, of course, used to treat gout, whether it is gout of primary or secondary nature. Zyloprim is also used as a treatment of the uric acid nephropathy (primary or secondary), with or without symptoms of gout.

For mild gout, 200 milligrams up to 300 milligrams may be used per day. 400 milligrams to 600 milligrams can be used in a day in divided doses for moderately severe gout. You may take food or milk if stomach upset occurs upon taking Zyloprim.

The Allopurinol in Zyloprim is used to lower blood uric acid levels. Uric acid is a breakdown product of purines found in various foods. Uric acid forms crystals in the tissues of the body that cause the inflammation characteristic of gout. Elevated blood uric acid levels can also cause kidney stones and disease. Zyloprim's Allopurinol can be used to prevent uric acid kidney stones and to prevent recurrent gouty arthritis attacks.

Zyloprim may increase ampcillin-induced skin rash. Zyloprim may also increase the pharmacological and toxic effects of orally administered thiopurines (mercaptop-urine and azathioprine) and chlorpropamide. If you are a patient with impaired renal or hepatic function, use Zyloprim with caution. A good amount of fluid intake, enough to yield two liters of urine a day, should be exercised. This is to maintain neutral (or slightly alkaline) urine to avoid the formation of xanthine calculi and to help prevent renal precipitation of urates in patients receiving concomitant uriocosuric agents. If you are a patient with severe renal insufficiency, your doctor should have decreased you dosage of Zyloprim to once or twice a week.

Like all medicines, Zyloprim does have its side effects. While taking Zyloprim, you may experience drowsiness, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and especially rash (including Stevens-Johnson syndrome, which is a potentially deadly skin disease that occurs with some medications). Since Zyloprim causes drowsiness, avoid operation machinery or being in situations where mental alertness is required, such as driving a vehicle.

A problem with most medicines is that many patients do not comply properly with the dosage and special indications that come with the medications. With Zyloprim, compliance from you as the patient is critical. It may take more than two weeks for Zyloprim to reach its maximum effectiveness. While taking Zyloprim, avoid all forms of alcohol. Store Zyloprim in a cool, dry place away from children and sunlight. IF a dose is missed, skip it and return to your normal dosing schedule. Remember, if any side effects become severe or persistent, contact your doctor immediately.