Drug Notes

Allopurinol (By injection)

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

Treats high levels of uric acid in the body.

Brand Name(s):

Aloprim

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

How to Use This Medicine:

Injectable

• Your doctor will prescribe your dose and schedule. This medicine is given through a needle placed in a vein.
• A nurse or other health provider will give you this medicine.
• Drink 10 to 12 full glasses of liquids each day unless directed differently by your doctor.
• Missed dose: Call your doctor or pharmacist for instructions.
• If you have your treatments at a clinic, the staff at the clinic will keep your medicine there.
• Throw away used needles in a hard, closed container that the needles cannot poke through. Keep this container away from children and pets.
• If you store this medicine at home, keep it at room temperature, away from heat and direct light.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

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

• Some medicines can affect how allopurinol works. Tell your doctor if you are taking any of the following:
  • Antibiotics
  • Azathioprine or mercaptopurine
  • Blood thinner, such as warfarin
  • Cyclosporine
  • Dicumarol
  • Diuretic (water pill)
• Do not take large doses of vitamin C while you are taking this medicine.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have diabetes, high blood pressure, heart failure, seizures, kidney disease, liver disease, or other medical problems.
• This medicine may make you drowsy. Do not drive or do anything that could be dangerous until you know how this medicine affects you.
• Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.
• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

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

• Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
• Blistering, peeling, red skin rash
• Joint pain or muscle aches
• Trouble breathing
• Yellowing of your skin or the whites of your eyes

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

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

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088

Last Updated: 1/27/2017