Allopurinol

What is it?

Composition

Allopurinol is available in tablet form, and its composition may vary depending on the manufacturer. The main active ingredient is allopurinol, which is responsible for the therapeutic effect of the drug. In addition to it, the tablets include auxiliary components that ensure stability, ease of administration and safety of the drug.

The composition of the tablets usually includes:

• allopurinol in a dosage of 100 or 300 mg;
• lactose monohydrate - to improve the texture of the tablet;
• povidone - as a binder;
• magnesium stearate - to prevent tablets from sticking to equipment;
• potato or corn starch - to improve solubility;
• colloidal silicon dioxide - to stabilize the shape of the tablet.

This composition makes the drug convenient to take and promotes its proper absorption in the body.

How to use?

Proper use of Allopurinol plays a key role in achieving the therapeutic effect and minimizing the risk of side effects. The drug is taken orally after meals with a sufficient amount of water. The dosage and regimen are determined by the doctor and depend on the diagnosis, the level of uric acid in the blood and the general condition of the patient.

Recommended steps:

1. The initial dosage is usually 100 mg per day, which helps to assess the bodys tolerance of the drug.
2. The dose is gradually increased, most often to 300 mg per day, and in some cases to 600-800 mg, if necessary to enhance the effect.
3. The tablets should be taken regularly, at the same time, to maintain a stable level of the active substance in the body.

It is important to strictly follow the doctors instructions and not stop treatment on your own, even if the symptoms of gout have decreased. Interruption of the course can lead to a relapse.

How does it work?

Allopurinol works by inhibiting the activity of the enzyme xanthine oxidase, which is responsible for converting hypoxanthine to xanthine and then to uric acid. This reduces the overall level of uric acid in the blood and urine, which prevents the formation of urate crystals. This is a key mechanism that helps combat the underlying causes of gout and some other conditions associated with hyperuricemia.

The drug does not eliminate existing crystals, but prevents their further accumulation. Thanks to this, joint inflammation gradually decreases and the risk of urinary stones decreases. However, the effect is not immediate: regular use over several weeks or months is required to achieve a noticeable result.

Indications

Allopurinol is used in the treatment and prevention of diseases caused by increased uric acid levels in the body. It is prescribed to eliminate chronic conditions, as well as to prevent complications associated with the accumulation of urates.

Main indications for use:

• gout - to reduce the frequency and severity of exacerbations;
• hyperuricemia - increased uric acid levels due to various causes;
• urolithiasis - to prevent the formation of urate stones in the kidneys and urinary tract;
• prevention of urate nephropathy that occurs during intensive chemotherapy or cancer treatment;
• enzyme disorders associated with purine metabolism (eg, Lesch-Nyhan syndrome).

Allopurinol is recommended for long-term use, especially in cases where it is impossible to control uric acid levels through diet and lifestyle alone.

Contraindications

Allopurinol should not be used in a number of cases where its use may cause harm to the body. Before starting therapy, it is necessary to inform the doctor about all existing diseases and body features in order to exclude possible risks.

Contraindications include:

• hypersensitivity to allopurinol or any of the auxiliary components of the drug;
• acute attack of gout - the drug is not used to relieve acute pain;
• severe renal failure without dosage adjustment;
• severe liver dysfunction;
• age under 3 years (for some forms of release);
• pregnancy and lactation, except in cases where the benefit outweighs the potential risk.

Before starting treatment, it is important to conduct a complete medical examination to exclude possible contraindications. Self-prescribing of the drug is unacceptable.

Side effects

Like any medicine, Allopurinol can cause side effects. Most often, they are associated with the individual reaction of the body to the drug or non-compliance with dosage recommendations. Usually, such reactions go away after adjusting the dosage regimen, but in some cases they require complete cessation of treatment.

Possible side effects:

• allergic reactions – skin rash, itching, redness, in rare cases Stevens-Johnson syndrome;
• gastrointestinal disorders – nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or abdominal pain;
• liver dysfunction – increased levels of liver enzymes in the blood;
• headache, dizziness or drowsiness;
• rarely – blood disorders, such as anemia or leukopenia;
• increased body temperature (hyperthermia) and general weakness.

If any unpleasant symptoms appear, it is recommended to immediately consult a doctor to assess the condition and adjust treatment.