Allopurinol

Uses
Allopurinol-Apotex (Allopurinol) is a type of medicine called a xanthine oxidase inhibitor which treats kidney stones and gout by decreasing uric acid synthesis. Hyperuricaemia occurs when the levels of uric acid in the blood become too high. This can cause the uric acid to form crystals at the joints, leading to complications such as gout, a painful condition which causes inflammation and pain in the foot and elsewhere in the body. Kidney stones are also caused by too much uric acid.

An enzyme in the body called xanthine oxidase causes the production of uric acid by means of a process in which hypoxanthine and xanthine are converted to uric acid. This medicine functions as an inhibitor of xanthine oxidase, and this helps to disrupt and lessen the amount of uric acid that is produced, thereby helping to prevent the occurrence of gout or the formation of certain types of kidney stones. Other disorders for which patients have taken this medicine include cancer, tumour lysis syndrome, chronic kidney disease, epilepsy, high blood pressure and other conditions not mentioned here.

Dosage and Administration
Allopurinol-Apotex (Allopurinol) tablets are provided as a 300mg strength formula. A complete medical assessment will be carried out by your doctor so that the most accurate dosage schedule can be determined. Adults treating gout are often told to start out with 100mg per day.

This may be increased on the order of the doctor to a maintenance dosage ranging from 200mg to 300mg per day if the gout is mild (but in cases of severe gout, the doctor may direct the patient to take between 400mg and 600mg per day). Patients treating calcium oxalate calculi or any other condition might be told to take it according to a different dosage schedule. Always follow the instructions of your doctor.

Side effects
Side effects of Allopurinol-Apotex (Allopurinol) that may occur in patients who undergo treatment with this medicine include:

• Drowsy feeling
• Digestive upset
• Erectile dysfunction
• Soreness in the muscles
• Taste sensation different from before

Make sure that you tell the doctor about all side effects which occur while taking this medicine. It will be necessary to seek medical care straight away should you suffer from bleeding while urinating, body weight loss, infection or any other serious reactions that have not been mentioned here.

Precautions
It is important to note that this medicine is not effective for treating an acute gout attack. Instead, it is given to help prevent the occurrence of gout attacks. Your doctor may recommend the use of other medicines in order to treat the symptoms of a gout attack.

Patients are generally told by their doctor not to drink alcohol, as it might lead to a worsening of their medical condition.

Seek immediate emergency medical attention if you suffer an allergic reaction. Symptoms to watch for, which may be indicative of a reaction, include skin rashes, hives, swelling of the face or limbs, trouble breathing, and trouble swallowing.

Always use Allopurinol-Apotex (Allopurinol) as you have been prescribed by your doctor. Never self-medicate or change your dosage without first consulting your doctor. The correct dosage can vary depending on your health, medical history, and the severity of the condition being treated.

This medication may not be safe for all patients. Before you begin using it always disclose the following to your doctor:

• If you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
• If you suffer from any allergies.
• If you suffer from any other health conditions or illnesses.
• If you are using any other medicine (including all non-prescription).
• If you are using any supplements, vitamins, or herbal products of any kind.