Question 1

how is allopurinol taken?

Accepted Answer

Orally: It is a pill that comes in different strengths. The doctor orders tests to make sure that the Allopurinol is lowering the uric acid in the blood.

Question 2

what are effects of allopurinol?

Accepted Answer

Lowers uric acid!: Gouty arthritis is not only arthritis, but the potential to damage kidneys and other tissue.  Lowering uric acid is the key, not only for gout, but hyperuricemia.  Allopurinol is a xanthine oxidase inhibitor, which decreases the formation of uric acid.  It, or the newer uloric, are the long term solutions for increased uric acid with it's consequences.

Question 3

can i start taking allopurinol during attack?

Accepted Answer

No: Allopurinol should not be started during an acute attack of gout. Colchicine (colcrys), anti-inflammatory medications, or steroids can help reduce the inflammation of an acute attack. After that, it is best to be on prophylactic Colchicine for several weeks before starting Allopurinol which is to lessen/prevent further gout attacks.

Question 4

side effects from taking allopurinol?

Accepted Answer

Allopurinol: Most common is skin rash. May precipitate a gout attack during initiation of therapy.

Question 5

what is zyloprim (allopurinol) used for?

Accepted Answer

Zyloprim: Gout and high uric acid.

Question 6

should you start taking allopurinol during gout attack?

Accepted Answer

NO !!: Wait until attack has subsided and slowly add Allopurinol to treatment.This drug mobilizes uric acid (so the kidneys can excrete it) and can bring on or worsen an attack.

Question 7

what are the long-term side effects of taking allopurinol?

Accepted Answer

Favorable: In most cases it is very well tolerated and controls the production of uric acid reducing the frequency of gouty attacks and eliminating urate deposits around joints called tophy.
It can however cause a severe allergic reaction to the point of causing the outer skin to peel off as in severe burn so at first sign of a rash it should be stopped. This is a rare disorder but important to know.

Question 8

allopurinol - if you take it regularly for gout (say years) , then you have a flare up, should i stop taking it?

Accepted Answer

No: If you're already taking Allopurinol and you get a gout attack, as long as the acute attack is treated you don't need to stop taking allopurinol.  Just don't start Allopurinol during an acute attack.

If you stop taking Allopurinol during an attack, you run the risk of getting a new attack when you restart it again.

Question 9

i have been taking 25mg of 6mp (together with allopurinol) for years and have just stopped. how long until the meds are out of my system?

Accepted Answer

Should not do this: Allopurinol with 6 MP or AZA are relatively contraindicated because of increased toxicity. Once you stopped the meds, they are out of your system in 2-3 days but effect may linger on

Question 10

can you drink alcohol occasionally while taking allopurinol ?

Accepted Answer

Should not: Once in a great while might be ok, but those intervals have a habit of shrinking, so avoid alcohol.  Also, alcohol aggravates gout, so should be avoided.

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Doctor answers about:

What happens when I start taking allupurinol

A member asked:

How is allopurinol taken?

A member asked:

What are effects of allopurinol?

A member asked:

Can i start taking allopurinol during attack?

A member asked:

Side effects from taking allopurinol?

A member asked:

What is zyloprim (allopurinol) used for?

A member asked:

Should you start taking allopurinol during gout attack?

A member asked:

What are the long-term side effects of taking allopurinol?

A member asked:

Allopurinol - if you take it regularly for gout (say years) , then you have a flare up, should i stop taking it?

A member asked:

I have been taking 25mg of 6mp (together with allopurinol) for years and have just stopped. how long until the meds are out of my system?

A member asked:

Can you drink alcohol occasionally while taking allopurinol ?

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