Zyloprim MedFacts

Zyloprim

Zyloprim is used for:

Treating gout. It is used to treat high uric acid levels in the blood or urine caused by certain types of cancer chemotherapy. It is also used to treat certain patients with calcium oxalate kidney stones and high amounts of uric acid in the urine. It may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor.

Zyloprim is a xanthine oxidase inhibitor. It works by lowering the body's production of uric acid.

Do NOT use Zyloprim if:

• you are allergic to any of the ingredients contained in Zyloprim

Contact your health care provider as soon as possible if any of the above applies to you.

Consider before using Zyloprim

Medical Conditions

There are medical conditions that can influence usage of Zyloprim . Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of the following apply to you:

• if you are either pregnant or planning to become pregnant
• if you are breast-feeding
• if you are taking any medicine (either prescription or nonprescription), herbal preparation, or dietary supplement
• if you are allergic to medicines, foods, or other substances
• if you have kidney or liver disease, heart problems (eg, congestive heart failure), bone marrow problems, high blood pressure, or diabetes

Drugs Interaction

There are medicines that may interact with Zyloprim . Inform your health care provider if you are taking any other medicines, in particular any from the list below:

• Amoxicillin or ampicillin because the risk of developing a skin rash may be increased
• Chlorpropamide because the risk of low blood sugar may be increased
• Dicumarol or oral anticoagulants (eg, warfarin) because the risk of bleeding may be increased by Zyloprim
• Thiazide diuretics (eg, hydrochlorothiazide) or uricosurics (eg, probenecid) because they may increase the risk of Zyloprim 's side effects
• Cyclosporine or thiopurines (eg, azathioprine, mercaptopurine) because the risk of their side effects may be increased by Zyloprim

This is not a full list of all interactions that may occur. Clarify with your health care provider whether Zyloprim may interact with other medicines you take. Also, consult your health care provider in advance if you are going to start, stop, or change the dose of any medicine.

Zyloprim Usage Guidelines

You should use Zyloprim as recommended by your doctor. Read the medicine's label for precise dosing instructions.

• Take Zyloprim by mouth after meals to decrease stomach upset.
• Drinking extra fluids while you are taking Zyloprim is recommended. Check with your doctor for instructions.
• Continue to take Zyloprim even if you feel well. Do not miss any doses.
• If you miss a dose of Zyloprim , take it as soon as you get it remembered. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, ignore the missed one and get back to your normal dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at the same time.

Clarify with your health care provider any issues you may have about usage of Zyloprim .

Important safety information on zyloprim

• Zyloprim may cause drowsiness. This effect may be worse if you take it with alcohol or certain medicines. Use Zyloprim with caution. Refrain from driving or performing other possibly dangerous activities until you know how you react to it.
• You may experience an increase in gout attacks for several months after you begin taking Zyloprim . Your doctor may give you another medicine (colchicine) to help decrease these gout attacks. Contact your doctor if you experience frequent or severe gout attacks.
• It may take 2 to 6 weeks to receive the full benefit of Zyloprim .
• Do NOT take more than the dose recommended by your doctor. Do NOT take it longer than prescribed. However, if you are going to do it, check with your doctor first.
• Zyloprim is not useful for relieving an acute gout attack.
• Follow the diet instructions and exercise program advised by your health care provider.
• Lab tests, including uric acid levels and kidney and liver function, may be performed while you use Zyloprim . These tests can be used to monitor your medical condition or to check for side effects. Be sure to keep all doctor and lab appointments.
• PREGNANCY and BREAST-FEEDING: If you become pregnant, contact your doctor. You will need to discuss the benefits and risks of using Zyloprim while you are pregnant. Zyloprim is found in breast milk. If you are breast-feeding or going to breast-feed, discuss with your doctor any possible risks to your baby.

Side effects may be caused by Zyloprim

All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Consult your doctor if any of the most COMMON side effects from the list below persist or start bothering you:

Diarrhea; nausea.

Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); blood in urine or painful urination; dark urine; fever, chills, or sore throat; irritation of the eyes; joint pain; loss of appetite; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin; stomach pain; unexplained weight loss; unusual bruising or bleeding; unusual muscle pain or weakness; yellowing of the skin or eyes.

It sholud be noted, that this is not a full list of possible side effects. If you have questions or need medical advice about side effects, contact your doctor or health care provider. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 (1-800-332-1088) or at http://www.fda.gov/medwatch.

If OVERDOSE is suspected:

Contact 1-800-222-1222 (the American Association of Poison Control Centers), your local poison control center (http://www.aapcc.org/findyour.htm), or emergency room immediately.

Zyloprim storage instructions:

Store Zyloprim at room temperature, between 68 and 77 degrees F (20 and 25 degrees C). Store away from heat, moisture, and light. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep Zyloprim out of the reach of children and away from pets.

General information:

• If you have any questions on Zyloprim , please consult your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.
• Zyloprim is supposed to be used only by the patient it is prescribed to. Do not share it with other people.
• If your symptoms do not improve or even become worse, inform your doctor.

This article is a summary only, and it does not provide all the information about Zyloprim . If you have questions about the medicine you are taking or would like more information, check with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.