More specifically, allopurinol belongs to the group of antigout drugs since it is used in the treatment of gout, but also in the treatment of all those disorders caused by the presence in the body of excessive levels of uric acid.
In order for it to carry out its therapeutic action, allopurinol must be taken orally. In fact, it is available in the form of tablets in which the active ingredient can be contained in different concentrations (usually, 100 mg, 150 mg and 300 mg).
Allopurinol medicines can only be dispensed on repeatable medical prescription. However, being classified as class A drugs, their cost can be reimbursed by the National Health System, in whole or in part, depending on the case. In fact, for some medicines it may be necessary to pay a ticket by the patient.
Examples of Allopurinol Containing Medicines
- Allopurinol DOC Generici®
- Allopurinol Molteni®
- Allopurinol Mylan®
- Allopurinol Sandoz®
- Allopurinol Teva Italia®
- Allurit®
- Zyloric®
Furthermore, allopurinol can be used in adults and children with Lesch-Nyhan syndrome or with adenine-phosphoribosyl-transferase deficiency (these are particular inherited disorders of enzyme deficiency).
Did you know that ...
A patient is considered hyperuricaemic when - after 5 days of a hypopurinic diet without taking drugs that affect uricaemia - the uric acid values are higher than 7 mg / dl for male patients and higher than 6.5 mg / dl for female patients.
Beyond 9 mg / dl the risk of developing gout is very high and concrete.
and / or kidney;In any case, it is always good to inform your doctor if you suffer, or have recently suffered, from any ailment or disease.
Finally, it should be noted that allopurinol may cause side effects capable of altering the ability to drive and use machines, therefore, it is advisable to exercise extreme caution.
Please Note
You need to stay hydrated and drink plenty of (non-alcoholic) fluids throughout your allopurinol treatment.
such as 6-mercaptopurine, cyclosporine and azathioprine;In any case, before starting allopurinol therapy, you should tell your doctor if you are taking - or have recently been taking - drugs or products of any kind, including non-prescription drugs (SOP ), over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, herbal and phytotherapeutic products and homeopathic products.
Taking Allopurinol with Food and Drinks
During therapy with allopurinol it is necessary to avoid the intake of certain foods and drinks, such as:
- Alcohol and, in particular, beer;
- Foods containing high levels of protein, such as, for example, the heart, tongue, brain, etc.
However, some of the main side effects that may occur during treatment with allopurinol will be listed below. For more information, carefully read the package leaflet of the medicine you are taking.
Gastrointestinal disorders
During treatment with allopurinol, the following may occur:
- Nausea and vomit;
- Diarrhea;
- Steatorrhea;
- Stomatitis.
Disorders of the skin and subcutaneous tissue
The intake of allopurinol could cause the appearance of:
- Skin rashes;
- Itching;
- Redness;
- Skin exfoliation;
- Alopecia;
- Hair color changes
- Stevens-Johnson syndrome or toxic epidermal necrolysis;
- Lyell's syndrome;
- Erythema multiforme.
Disorders of the nervous system
Allopurinol-based therapy could lead to the onset of:
- Headache;
- Drowsiness;
- Dysgeusia;
- Ataxia;
- Peripheral neuropathy;
- Convulsions:
- Paralysis;
- Coma.
Fortunately, these are very rare side effects.
Blood disorders
Allopurinol treatment could cause:
- Aplastic anemia;
- Agranulocytosis;
- Leukopenia;
- Leukocytosis;
- Eosinophilia;
- Thrombocytopenia.
Disorders of the kidneys and urinary tract
Allopurinol therapy could lead to the onset of:
- Kidney failure;
- Hematuria;
- Interstitial nephritis;
- Azotemia;
- Calculations of xanthine.
Breast and reproductive system disorders
Although rarely, allopurinol treatment may cause gynecomastia, erectile dysfunction and male infertility.
Disorders of the eyes and vision
Treatment with allopurinol-containing medicines can cause visual impairment, maculopathies and cataracts.
Cardiovascular Disorders
While taking allopurinol you may experience:
- Hypertension;
- Vasculitis;
- Bradycardia;
- Angina pectoris.
Other side effects
Other side effects that can occur during treatment with allopurinol consist of:
- Allergic reactions, even severe ones, in sensitive individuals;
- Generalized malaise;
- Asthenia;
- Fever;
- Hyperlipidemia;
- Diabetes mellitus;
- Depression;
- Dizziness;
- Liver disorders;
- Myalgia and / or arthralgia;
- Angioimmunoblastic T-cell lymphoma (fortunately, this is a very rare side effect).
Allopurinol overdose
If you take too much allopurinol, symptoms may occur, such as:
- Nausea and vomit;
- Diarrhea;
- Dizziness and vertigo;
- Precipitation of crystals in the urine.
Therefore, in case of suspected or confirmed overdose of allopurinol, it is necessary to go to the nearest emergency room, taking the package of the medicine taken with you. Treatment is usually supportive and gastric lavage with activated charcoal can be performed if necessary.
through feedback inhibition of hypoxanthine guanine phosphoribosyl transferase.from uric acid - it is necessary to take an adequate quantity of liquids that allows the production of at least two liters of urine per day.
The dose of allopurinol to be taken must be established by the physician for each patient; in any case, the posologies usually used in therapy are listed below.
Adults and adolescents between the ages of 15 and 18
The starting dose of allopurinol usually given to adults and adolescents aged 15-18 years is 100 mg per day. After that, the amount of drug to be taken can be gradually increased until the ideal maintenance dose is reached. This dose may vary according to the patient's condition:
- Mild conditions: the usual dose is 100-200 mg of allopurinol per day.
- Moderately severe conditions: The dosage of allopurinol usually employed is 300-600 mg per day, to be taken in divided doses.
- Severe conditions: the dose usually used is 700-900 mg of allopurinol per day, to be taken in divided doses throughout the day.
Children and adolescents between the ages of 6 and 15
In children and adolescents aged 6-15 years and a body weight of at least 15 kg, the usual dosage is 10-20 mg / kg body weight per day, to be administered in divided doses throughout the day.
For this category of patients, the maximum administrable daily dose is 400 mg of the active ingredient.
Children under the age of 6
In children under the age of six, allopurinol should not be given.
Elderly patients and patients with kidney disease
In elderly patients (over 65 years of age) and in patients with kidney problems, the doctor may decide to reduce the amount of allopurinol administered and / or to reduce the frequency of administration.
Did you know that ...
At the start of treatment with allopurinol, the doctor may decide to prescribe the concomitant use of anti-inflammatory drugs or colchicine in order to prevent gouty arthritis attacks.
How long to take Allopurinol for?
The doctor will decide how long the patient should take allopurinol. Therefore, it is necessary to follow the instructions provided by this health professional.
Treatment should not be discontinued without first consulting the treating physician.
, on the other hand, it should only be carried out in cases of real necessity and only under the strict supervision of the doctor, since the active ingredient is excreted in breast milk. However, if necessary, your doctor may advise you to stop breastfeeding to allow therapy to begin.
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