WHAT IS ALLOPURINOL?
Allopurinol controls Uric acid. Normal uric acid is dissolved in blood, and it is filtered in the kidneys and expelled out of the body through urine. Uric acid would increase when there is excess production of the same or when your kidneys are unable to clear it. This disease is hyperuricemia. Uric acid can be painful especially when it is increased. Allopurinol is normally prescribed to prevent but not treat these disorders.
WHAT IS ALLOPURINOL USED FOR?
Allopurinol has two main jobs:
Preventing Gout Attacks: Gout is a form of arthritis that makes the joints painful, red, and swollen abruptly and with severe pain, usually the big toe. It occurs when the crystals of uric acid are found in the shape of needles in a joint. Allopurinol prevents new crystals by reducing the concentration of uric acid in the blood, and dissolves old ones.
Preventing Kidney Stones and Other Issues: Kidney stones may also be developed because of high uric acid. Also, during chemotherapy of cancer, there is a risk of such a condition as tumour lysis syndrome, as cancer cells disintegrate rapidly, and a significant number of uric acid is released, which is capable of damaging the kidneys
HOW DOES ALLOPURINOL WORK?
To understand how allopurinol works, think of it like a factory worker slowing down a production line. Your body uses a natural enzyme called xanthine oxidase to produce uric acid. This enzyme is like a machine on the production line.
Allopurinol does this by inhibiting this enzyme. It enters the xanthine oxidase machine, slows down or paralyses its activity. On blocking this machine, the body forms a lot of less uric acid. When uric acid is produced less, those in your blood gradually decrease. This helps in the long run to stop the crystals of uric acid forming and helps your body to eliminate the already existing crystals.
IMPORTANT DRUG INTERACTIONS
Allopurinol can interact with other medicines, changing how they work or increasing the risk of side effects. It is very important to tell your doctor about all the medications you are taking, including:
Azathioprine and Mercaptopurine: These are drugs that are applied to a cancer or to suppress the immune system following an organ transplant. Allopurinol may lead to excessive concentration of these medications in the body. Really, your physician will have to take the dose with a great deal of caution.
Blood Thinners: The effect of warfarin can be increased by allopurinol, which increases your risk of being affected by bleeding. Your doctor will have to observe your blood tests.
Ampicillin and Amoxicillin (Antibiotics): When taking allopurinol, you are likely to develop a skin rash in case you take these common antibiotics.
This is not a complete list. Always check with your doctor or pharmacist before starting any new medicine.
FINAL WORD
Allopurinol is a long-term drug. To take effect, it may take several months. It can trigger a gout attack during the first time of taking it. It is natural to change the uric acid levels altering joint crystals. Do not discontinue medication- your physician can prescribe another one that will help you avoid premature exacerbations. Allopurinol rarely causes a serious rash on the skin, but the majority of the patients can tolerate allopurinol. Stop using the drug and call your doctor in case you have a rash.
Other Recommended Products: Cinacalcet: Uses, Interactions, Mechanism of Action