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Allopurinol is a medicine used to treat the symptoms of diseases that are caused by the overproduction and build-up of uric acid in tissues and organs. What are the indications and contraindications for the use of Allopurinol? How to properly dose Allopurinol and can its use cause side effects?
Allopurinol – composition and mechanism of action
Allopurinol is a drug that is an inhibitor of xanthine oxidase, an enzyme that is involved in the conversion of hypoxanthine to xanthine and xanthine to uric acid. Uric acid is produced in the human body through several stages. The primary substrate for the synthesis of uric acid are the so-called purine bases, i.e. chemical compounds that are present in high concentrations, for example, in high-protein foods. One of the end products of changes taking place in the body is hypoxanthine, which is oxidized to uric acid. In an acidic environment, when uric acid levels are too high, sparingly soluble crystals are formed, which accumulate in organs and tissues, causing persistent pain. Allopurinol reduces the production of xanthines and uric acid in the body. The mechanism of action of Allopurinol is based on blocking the activity of xanthine oxidase. The end result of the action of Allopurinol is a significant reduction in the risk of the formation and accumulation of plaques and calcium oxalate stones in the urinary tract.
Allopurinol – indications and contraindications
The main purpose of Allopurinol is to reduce the production of uric acid in diseases where there is already a deposit of such deposits and stones. These diseases include gout, urolithiasis, acute gout nephropathy or neoplastic diseases. Unfortunately, not all patients at risk of excessive build-up of urate in the tissues can use Allopurinol. Hypersensitivity to any of the ingredients of the preparation is a contraindication to the use of the drug. In addition, treatment with Allopurinol cannot be started during an acute attack of gout. The inclusion of this drug during a seizure greatly increases the chances of a repeat attack.
Allopurinol – correct dosage
Always use allopurinol exactly as your doctor tells you to. The drug is used starting with a low dose. The initial dose of Allopurinol is approximately 100 mg per day. The starting dose is only changed when the effect of the dose on serum urate levels is inadequate. In light states, it uses from 100 to 200 mg a day. In moderately severe conditions, the dose ranges from 300 to 600 mg per day. However, in the case of severe conditions, the dose of Allopurinol should be between 700 and 900 mg per day. Allopurinol should be taken orally once a day after a meal.
Allopurinol – possible side effects
The use of Allopurinol may cause side effects. However, it is worth mentioning that the side effects of using the drug are quite rare. Quite often there is a rash, less often serious complications in the form of st. Stevens and Johnson, toxic epidermal necrolysis syndrome. Liver disorders, including necrosis and granulomatous hepatitis, occur rarely. Depression, hypertension, muscle pain, haematuria, dizziness, diabetes, weakness and fever may occur very rarely.
Before use, read the leaflet, which contains indications, contraindications, data on side effects and dosage as well as information on the use of the medicinal product, or consult your doctor or pharmacist, as each drug used improperly is a threat to your life or health.