Allopurinol (Injection)

Introduction:

Allopurinol (al-oh-PURE-i-nol)

Treats elevations of uric acid in blood and urine.

Brand Name(s):

Aloprim

There may be other brand names for this medicine.

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

You should not use this medicine if you have ever had an allergic reaction to allopurinol.

How to Use This Medicine:

Injectable

  • Your doctor will prescribe your exact dose and tell you how often it will be given.
  • Drink 10 to 12 full glasses of liquids each day unless directed differently by your doctor.
  • Your medicine will be given directly into a vein, usually in your arm or chest. This is called intravenous (in-tra-VEN-us), or IV.
  • A nurse or other caregiver trained to give IV medicines will give your treatment.

If a dose is missed:

  • If you miss a dose, call your doctor, home health caregiver, or clinic where you get treatments for instructions.

How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine:

  • If your have your treatments at a clinic, the staff at the clinic will keep your medicine there.
  • If you have your treatments at home, you should be given a special container for the used needles, medicine bottles, and tubes. Put it where children or pets cannot reach it.
  • If you have your treatments at home, you may need to store your medicine. You should store the unopened bottles at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Store mixed or prepared medicine at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.
  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

  • Make sure your doctor knows if you are using blood thinners (such as Coumadin®), diuretics (such as hydrochlorothiazide), ampicillin, amoxicillin, cyclosporine, azathioprine (Imuran®), or mercaptopurine (Purinethol®).
  • Avoid taking large doses of vitamin C while you are using this medicine.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

  • Check with your doctor before using this medicine if you have diabetes, high blood pressure, heart failure, seizures, kidney disease, liver disease, or other medical problems.
  • If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, talk with your doctor before using this medicine.
  • This medicine may make you drowsy. Be careful when driving a car or using machinery.
  • Stop using allopurinol and call your doctor right away if you notice a skin rash, pain when you use the bathroom (urinate), blood in your urine, irritation of your eyes, or swelling of your lips or mouth.
  • Your doctor may want to test your blood while you are using this medicine. Be sure to keep all appointments.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

  • Burning or peeling of skin
  • Joint pain or muscle aches
  • Skin rash, redness, itching or hives
  • Trouble breathing
  • Unexplained chills, fever, or sore throat
  • Yellow skin or eyes

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

  • Drowsiness
  • Headache
  • Loss of appetite or weight loss
  • Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
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