About Zyloprim

Zyloprim is also known as allopurinol and it is 1,5-dihydro-4H-pyrazolo [3,4-d]pyrimidin-4-one chemically. The drug is available in three formulations namely tablets, injection and liquid and based on the formulation the drug comes under unclassified agents, neoplastic agent (uric acid decreaser in cancer treatment) and agent to treat Parkinsosn`s disease.

Drug Uses

As a tablet Zyloprim or allopurinol is a xanthine oxidase inhibitor and it is recommended for gouty arthritis patients as well as those who complain of kidney stone problem (the drug reduces formation of uric acid and thus stone formation is hampered). As aforementioned the drug functions are different when consumed in different forms. The tablet form is also available in 2 doses namely the 100mg dose and 300 mg doses.

How to Take Drug

Zyloprim is an enzyme blocker its action is to reduce formation of uric acid. Zyloprim tablet is an oral medication and the dosage depends on the medical condition as well as patient`s response to the drug. Usually, gout responds to the drug after several weeks of administration only. It should be remembered that the drug cannot relieve pain, but relieves symptoms of gout due to its action on the uric acid formation.

Drug Precautions

The drug should be discontinued if there is any skin complaint (severe complaint is Stevens-Johnsons syndrome). The drug initially results in increased gout attacks in some patients and therefore it should be combined with Colchicine for symptomatic treatment. It takes many months for gout patients to respond to Zyloprim.

Additionally, patients with impaired renal functions should be carefully administered with the dosage of Zyloprim. Also post chemotherapy for malignancy, the dosage of Zyloprim need to be calculated after critical renal function studies.

Lactating moms should be treated conservatively with Zyloprim.
It is not indicated for pediatric use unless those who have malignancies and secondary symptoms due to malignancy.

Drug Interactions

The drug has a positive effect in those who are treated with mercaptopurine or azathioprine (Imuran) when given at 300 mg twice a day, Zyloprim reduced dosage of mercaptopurine and/or azathioprine.

Zyloprim was also found to increase efficacy of dicumarol, although clinical basis for this is not established yet.

Side Effects

Skin sensitivity reactions are common and sometimes in severe cases resulted in fatalities. Therefore when there is a skin complaint with the intake of drug, should immediately consult physician. Fevers and chills are also experienced by some. In any case, visit the physician immediately if you experience any side effect with Zyloprim.

Missed Dose

Missed dose of Zyloprim cannot have immediate effect because of the fact that the drug action period is long and it takes time to show its effect. So, one or two missed doses may not have a significant noticeable effect.

Overdose

Zyloprim has no reported antidote. Additionally, if the drug is ingested in toxic amounts it can be removed from the body by dialysis so there are no major problems with toxicity and its effects as such.

Storage

Zyloprim in tablet form can be stored under natural conditions away from heat and light. The drug in general can be kept out of reach of children.