Allopurinol-Teva

Allopurinol.

Each tablet contains either 100 mg or 300 mg of the active ingredient allopurinol.
Excipients/Inactive Ingredients: The other ingredients are maize starch, powdered cellulose, colloidal anhydrous silica, magnesium stearate, sodium starch glycolate and povidone. In addition, the 300 mg tablets contain lactose and sodium lauryl sulphate.

Allopurinol-TEVA controls the amount of uric acid in the blood, stopping the formation of crystals in the joints which causes the inflammation and swelling which is characteristic of gout.

Allopurinol-TEVA tablets are used for enzyme disorders, neoplastic disease (a growth), myeloproliferative disease (where there are too many of certain types of blood cells made in the bone marrow), the long term, preventative treatment of gout and may be used in other conditions associated with an excess of uric acid in the body. These include kidney stones and other types of kidney disease, some tumours, certain enzyme disorders such as Lesch-Nyhan Syndrome.

The tablets should be swallowed with a drink of water, after a meal.
The usual dosage instructions are given as follows: Adults (including the elderly): Starting dose: 100 - 300 mg/day, which may be increased depending on the severity of the condition.
The dosage may be altered if patient has reduced kidney and liver function particularly if he/she is an elderly.
Leukaemia and certain enzyme disorders (e.g. Lesch-Nyhan Syndrome) in Children (under 15 years): 10-20 mg/kg body weight/day or 100 - 400 mg/day.
If the daily dose exceeds 300 mg/day, Allopurinol-TEVA may be prescribed in divided doses.
If patient has kidney or liver problems, monitoring may be done during treatment.
Patient should continue to take these tablets for as long as prescribed. If he/she forgets to take a tablet, take one as soon as remembered, unless it is nearly time to take the next one. Never take two doses together. Take the remaining doses at the correct time.
If patient sees another doctor or go into hospital, let him or the staff know what medicines the patient is taking.

If patient (or someone else) swallows a lot of the tablets all together, or if a child has swallowed any of the tablets, contact a nearest hospital casualty department or a doctor immediately.

Do not take if patient: Is sensitive to any of the ingredients in the medicine, listed in Description; Is pregnant or breast-feeding; Has suffered a reaction to allopurinol before; Is currently suffering from an acute attack of gout.

Tell the doctor or pharmacist if: Patient has long term kidney or liver problems.
Patient is taking mercaptopurine (used in leukaemia).
Patient is taking ciclosporin or azathioprine (used to suppress the immune system).
Patient is taking any anticoagulants which are used to "thin" the blood e.g. warfarin.
Patient is taking chlorpropamide (used in diabetes).
Patient is using vidarabine (adenine arabinoside), used in the treatment of herpes.
Patient is taking probenecid (another drug used to treat gout) or large doses of aspirin-type drugs (salicylates).
Patient is taking phenytoin (used for epilepsy).
Patient is taking theophylline (used for respiratory problems).
Patient is taking any medication for heart disease or high blood pressure.
Patient is taking the antibiotic amoxicillin or ampicillin.
Patient is taking cyclophosphamide or other anti-cancer drugs.
Patient may find that attacks of gout may actually increase initially until uric acid level stabilises. It may take a little while for medication to achieve full control. The doctor may prescribe additional medicines to help at this time.
While taking these tablets, patient may experience a loss of coordination, dizziness and tiredness. Do not drive or operate machinery until patient is sure he/she is not affected.
If patient is prescribed the 300 mg tablets and has been told to have an intolerance to some sugars, contact the doctor before taking this medicinal product.

Allopurinol-TEVA is taken by the majority of patients without any problems. However, like many other medicines, it may occasionally cause side effects in some people.
Skin rashes are the most common side effect with Allopurinol-TEVA. If patient suffers from an unexpected skin reaction (possibly in association with fever, swollen glands, joint pain, unusual blistering or bleeding, kidney problems or a sudden onset of fits), he/she should stop taking Allopurinol-TEVA and contact the doctor immediately.
Patient may occasionally feel sick, but this can usually be avoided by taking Allopurinol-TEVA after meals. Tell the doctor if this problem persists.
The following side effects have been reported occasionally: Fever, a general feeling of being unwell, headache, vertigo (a sensation that the surroundings are spinning either up and down or from side to side), nausea, vomiting, anaemia, uraemia (the presence of excess urea and other chemical waste products in the blood), swollen glands, loss of coordination, weakness or unsteadiness, unconsciousness and unresponsiveness, sleepiness, depression, loss of feeling in part of the body, 'pins and needles', taste disorders or inflammation in the mouth, a change in bowel habits or unusual bowel movements, impotence, sexual or infertility problems, liver problems (abnormal liver function tests, hepatitis), visual problems (including cataracts), ejaculation during sleep ('wet dream'), diabetes, boils, hair loss or discolouration, heart problems and high blood pressure, blood disorders which may be characterised by abnormal bruising, high levels of lipids (fats) in the blood, blood in the urine, swelling, and breast enlargement in men. There have been very rare reports of the presence of blood in vomit and a severe allergic reaction (anaphylactic shock).
If patient has these or any other effects, whilst taking Allopurinol-TEVA tell the doctor immediately.

6-Mercaptopurine and azathioprine: When 6-mercaptopurine or azathioprine is given concurrently with allopurinol, only one-quarter of the usual dose of 6-mercaptopurine or azathioprine should be given because inhibition of xanthine oxidase will prolong their activity.

These tablets should be stored under 25°C in the package or container supplied. Do not transfer them to another container. Keep them in a secure place where children cannot get at them. This medicine is for the patient ONLY, do not give it to anyone else. Unless advised, do not keep these tablets for longer than needed. Return all unused medicines to a pharmacist for safe disposal.

Hyperuricemia & Gout Preparations

M04AA01 - allopurinol ; Belongs to the class of preparations inhibiting uric acid production. Used in the treatment of gout.

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