Zyloprim (ZIE-le-prim)

Zyloprim (Allopurinol [al-oh-PURE-i-nole]) reduces uric acid production in the body. Elevated levels of uric acid can cause gout and kidney stones or other kidney issues. This medication may be used to prevent the rise of uric acid levels in patients receiving chemotherapy. It can help men with chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CP/CPPS) by reducing uric acid production.

Zyloprim Warnings

Stop taking Zyloprim (allopurinol) for prostatitis the first sign of a skin rash or other symptoms of an allergic reaction.

In certain instances, patients may experience serious reactions following a skin rash, including:

Flakey lesions
Hemorrhaging of the skin that results in purple lesions
Hives
Stevens-Johnson Syndrome
Generalized inflammation of blood vessels
Permanent liver damage
Death (on rare occasions)

If taking Purinethol (mercaptopurine) or Imuran (azathioprine), while also taking 300 mg to 600 mg of Zyloprim daily, the patient’s dose of Purinethol or Imuran should be lessened to approximately one-third to one-fourth the usual dose. A patient’s physician should monitor and adjust doses based on response and toxic effects.

In cases of weight loss or anorexia, a patient’s liver functioning should be part of medical diagnosis.

If a patient has preexisting liver disease, the patient’s doctor should test liver function occasionally in the early stages of taking this medication.

Hypersensitivity reactions to Zyloprim may be heightened if a patient also has decreased renal function and takes thiazides simultaneously. The combination of these two medications should be monitored carefully.

Avoid being around people who are sick or have an infection.

Why Is Zyloprim Prescribed for Prostatitis?

A theory states that urine reflux into the ducts of the prostate may cause inflammation of the prostate. As a result of this theory, Zyloprim may be prescribed to treat CP/CPPS with the hope of lessening uric acid in the region while improving symptoms. It has been used for men with prostatic calcification, or prostate stones.

How Should Zyloprim Be Used?

This medication is usually taken orally once a day.

It is available as a tablet in doses of 100 mg or 300 mg.

It is also available as a powder for injection (500 mg).

To reduce the likelihood of upset stomach, take Zyloprim after meals.

If prescribed a dose of more than 300 mg per day, spread out the dose over the course of the day with smaller doses to reach this amount. Ask your physician for instructions.

Drink 8 ounces of water with each dose, unless otherwise directed by your physician.

Drink at least eight glasses of water (8 ounces each) daily, unless directed otherwise by your physician.

The patient’s dose is based on medical condition and response to treatment.

Use Zyloprim regularly, and at regular intervals, to achieve the most benefit from this medication.

If taking this medication for gout, you may not experience the effects of this medication for many weeks.

This medication is not a pain reliever. To relieve gout pain, take other medications prescribed by your physician.

Inform your physician if your symptoms persist or worsen.

Follow your physician’s dose instructions.

Other Uses for Zyloprim

This medication is used to treat gout, certain kinds of kidney stones, and is used to avert increased levels of uric acid in chemotherapy patients.

Do I Need To Follow Special Precautions?

Tell your physician if you are allergic or have had a serious reaction to Zyloprim previously before taking this medication.

Inform your physician of any other allergies you may have.

Inactive ingredients in this medication may cause allergic reactions or other issues.

Provide your doctor with a personal medical history before taking Zyloprim, especially with regard to:

Liver or kidney disease
Diabetes
High blood pressure
Atypical diets, such as fasting

This drug may cause dizziness or drowsiness. Until you are certain you can perform certain activities safely, do not drive, operate machinery, or perform any activity that requires alertness.

Limit consumption of alcoholic beverages while taking this medication.

Elderly patients may be at an increased risk of side effects while taking this medication as a result of liver functioning.

Do I Need to Follow a Special Diet When Taking Zyloprim?

Drink 8 ounces of water with each dose, unless otherwise directed by your physician.

To reduce the likelihood of upset stomach, take Zyloprim (allopurinol) for prostatitis after meals.

What If I Forget a Dose?

If a dose is missed, take the medication as soon as you remember. However, if nearing the time when you are supposed to take the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your regular schedule. If a dose is missed, do not double the dose.

Are There Side Effects When Taking Zyloprim for Prostatitis?

Inform your physician immediately if you experience any of these or other side effects while taking Zyloprim.

More common side effects:

Joint pain, stiffness, or swelling
Skin rash (with or without lesions)

Rare side effects:

Abdominal pain, nausea, or vomiting
Agitation
Anxiety or depression
Bleeding gums
Blistering, flaking, or cracking skin
Bloody, cloudy, or dark urine
Bloody or clay-colored stools
Bloody nose
Blue or pale skin
Bruising or other changes in skin color
Unusual bleeding
Tightness in chest or chest pain (that may or may not move to left arm, neck, or shoulder)
Chills and/or fever
Coma
Confusion
Diarrhea or constipation
Coughing or hoarseness
Coughing up blood
Increased or decreased urine production
Painful urination
Difficulty breathing, wheezing
Dizziness or sleepiness
Dry mouth
Feeling flush, especially on face or neck
General illness
General tiredness or weakness
Headache
Anger or irritability
Slurred speech
Itching
Blue or purple lesions on the skin
Loss of appetite
Loss of body heat
Lower back or side pain
Bad breath or metallic taste
Muscle twitching or weakness
Pain, tenderness, or swelling of the foot or leg
Rapid weight gain or loss
Red, itchy eyes
Red, puffy skin
Seizures
Slow or irregular heartbeat
Sore throat
Sores on the lips or in the mouth
Sweating
Swollen glands or lymph glands
Increased thirst
Yellow eyes or skin
Blindness or color blindness
Blurred vision
Achiness
Burning or feeling of numbness
Congestion
Ringing or buzzing in the ears
Sexual dysfunction
Excessive tearing
Thinning of hair
Hearing loss
Memory loss
Runny nose or sneezing
Sensation of movement or spinning
Light sensitivity
Insomnia
Difficulty swallowing
Change in voice
Weakness in extremities

Does Zyloprim Have Special Storage Instructions?

This medication should be stored at room temperature away from light and moisture. Keep this medication away from children and pets. Do not store in the bathroom.

If using the powder version of this medication, do not refrigerate it.

Discard this product properly when it is expired. (Do not flush it down the toilet or rinse it down the drain.)

What Do I Do in the Case of an Accidental Overdose?

In case of a suspected overdose, contact an emergency room or poison control center immediately. For a local control center in the United States, call 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents: call a poison control center within your province.