Allopurinol Side Effects

Allopurinol is a drug, that is used to treat hyperuricemia or excess uric acid in blood plasma as well as the complications that can arise from this condition. One of the most important complications of excess uric acid in blood is chronic gout, where uric acid crystals deposit in the joints and cause joint inflammation and pain. It is primarily used to lower the production of uric acid in the body.

Uses of Allopurinol
It is to treat complications arising out of high level of uric acid in blood, and formation of uric acid crystals in the body. It is basically used for treating certain types of kidney stones and gout. Sometimes, it is also used in lowering the level of uric acid in patients, receiving cancer treatment. However, this medication can be prescribed by the physicians for many other conditions apart from gout.

Allopurinol Dangers
The brand name for allopurinol is apo allopurinol. Usually its side effects may not be experienced by all individuals. Only a small percentage of people can suffer from the side effects of this gout medication. The commonly experienced side effects are, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and dizziness. As the medication lowers the level of uric acid, and destroys the deposits of uric acid crystals, one can experience acute gout attacks. Some other minor side effects are, indigestion, hair loss, stomach pain, headache and joint pain. If these side effects persist for a considerable period of time, then a physician should be consulted at the earliest.

On the other hand, skin rash is a serious side effect of this medicine and hence, should be immediately reported to a physician. In addition to skin rash, some other serious side effects are, blood in urine and stool, black stool, fever, chills, sore throat, painful or difficult urination, numbness or tingling sensation in hands or feet, muscle pain and unusual weakness, mouth and lip sores or ulcers, easy bruising and bleeding, jaundice or yellowing of the skin and eyes, wheezing and seizures. Sometimes, it can produce some severe allergic reactions like, itching, skin rash, hives, swelling of the face, lips or tongue as well as breathing difficulties, which should also be immediately reported to a physician.

If taken with adequate care and in appropriate dosage, it usually, does not produce severe side effects. However, if you are already suffering from some medical conditions like, liver and kidney diseases, congestive heart failure diabetes and high blood pressure, then never take allopurinol without the approval of your physician. Similarly, individuals who have earlier experienced allergic reaction to tor any other medication, as well as pregnant and nursing mothers should also take it only after discussing with their physicians.

Certain medications have been found to interact with allopurinol and worsen or aggravate its side effects. Such medications include, amoxicillin, ampicillin, dicumarol, warfarin, chlorpropamide, etc. Therefore, if you are taking any of these medications, inform your health care provider about it before taking allopurinol. To sum it up, this medication should be taken only under the guidance of a physician and with appropriate care.