What is Allopurinol and how does it work?

Progout contains the active ingredient allopurinol. Allopurinol belongs to a group of medicines called anti-hyperuricaemics. These medicines work by reducing the formation and accumulation of uric acid in the body. Excess amounts of uric acid in the blood may lead to the development of crystals which deposit in the joints, causing pain, swelling and tenderness.

Allopurinol is used in the treatment of:

• gout or gouty arthritis (a condition of painful swollen joints caused by uric acid crystals)
• kidney stones (uric acid crystals in the kidney)
• skin tophi (uric acid crystals beneath the skin)Allopurinol is also used to prevent high uric acid levels forming in the blood that can occur due to certain types of cancers and their treatment, or rare enzyme disorders.

Allopurinol will not relieve a gout attack that has already started, nor will it cure gout, but it will help prevent gout attacks.

Your doctor may have prescribed Allopurinol for another reason. Ask your doctor if you have any questions about why Allopurinol has been prescribed for you.

Dosage & Administration

In adults, the usual dose of Allopurinol is 100 mg to 200 mg daily for mild conditions, 300 mg to 600 mg daily for moderately severe conditions and 700 mg to 900 mg daily for severe conditions.

Elderly people over 65 years of age and those with kidney or liver problems may need smaller doses.

For children under 15 years of age the dose is calculated according to body weight. The maximum dose used in children is usually 400 mg daily. Your doctor may advise you to take a different dose. This depends on your condition and whether or not you are taking any other medicines.

Swallow the Allopurinol tablets with a glass of water. Take Allopurinol during or immediately after a meal. This will lessen the chance of a stomach upset.

Allopurinol is usually taken once a day. However, if your dose is higher than 300 mg a day, your doctor may advise you to take it morning and night.

To properly control your condition, Allopurinol must be taken every day. Allopurinol will not cure your condition but will help control pain, stiffness and other symptoms. Keep taking Allopurinol for as long as your doctor recommends.

Side Effects of Allopurinol

Side effects only occur rarely in people taking PROGOUT. Most of the time they are minor. You may need medical treatment if you get some of the side effects. People with liver and kidney problems have an increased chance of experiencing side effects.

Do not be alarmed by this list of possible side effects. You may not experience any of them.

Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you notice any of the following and they worry you: nausea, vomiting, headache, drowsiness, dizziness, unsteady when walking, change in taste sensation, change in bowel habits, hair loss or discolouration. These reactions are usually mild.

Tell your doctor as soon as possible if you notice any of the following:signs of liver problems such as yellowing of the skin and eyes, dark coloured urine and generally feeling unwell; tingling or numbness of the hands or feet; visual disturbances; excessive thirst, going to the toilet more often, a burning feeling when passing urine; blood in the urine; frequent infections such as fever, severe chills, sore throat or mouth ulcers; bleeding or bruising more easily than normal; swelling of the hands, feet or ankle; general feeling of being unwell or depression. These effects can be serious and you may need medical attention.

Tell your doctor immediately or go to the Accident and Emergency Department at the nearest hospital if you notice any of the following:severe itching, skin flaking, skin rash or hives; swelling of the face, lips or tongue which may cause difficulty in swallowing or breathing; wheezing or shortness of breath; pain or tightness in the chest; fits or seizures. These are very serious yet rare side effects. You may need urgent medical attention or hospitalisation.