Product Description

Allopurinol Tablets IP 100 mg belongs to a class of medications called xanthine oxidase inhibitors, primarily used to decrease blood uric acid levels. It is used to treat chronic gout (a form of arthritis caused by uric acid crystal buildup in joints, leading to pain and inflammation) and to prevent uric acid-related kidney stones. It is not for acute gout attacks or asymptomatic hyperuricemia.

Uses

• Chronic gout (to prevent recurrent attacks).

• Uric acid-related kidney stones (to reduce recurrence).

How it works

Allopurinol Tablets contain allopurinol, which inhibits the enzyme xanthine oxidase. This enzyme converts purines into uric acid, so blocking it reduces uric acid production in the body, helping to lower blood levels and prevent crystal formation.

Benefits

Allopurinol helps decrease uric acid levels, reducing the frequency of gout attacks, joint pain, and inflammation. It also lowers the risk of uric acid kidney stone formation and recurrence. In some cases, it's used to manage hyperuricemia during chemotherapy. Benefits include improved quality of life for gout patients and prevention of complications like tophi (uric acid deposits) or chronic joint damage. Effectiveness depends on adherence and monitoring.

How to use

Take an allopurinol tablet with or without food as directed by your physician. Swallow it as a whole with a glass of water. Do not crush, chew, or break it. Dosage typically starts at 100 mg/day and is gradually increased to avoid gout flares; follow your doctor's exact instructions.

Side Effects

• Common: Upset stomach, diarrhea, nausea, skin rash, drowsiness, vomiting.

• Rare but serious: Severe skin reactions (e.g., rash with blisters, Stevens-Johnson syndrome), liver problems (jaundice), blood disorders (anemia), or allergic reactions (swelling, fever). Seek immediate medical attention for severe symptoms.

Safety Advice

• Allopurinol should not be taken with alcohol, as it can increase uric acid levels and worsen gout.

• It is a Category C pregnancy drug (potential risk to the fetus). If you are pregnant, think you may be pregnant, or are planning to have a baby, consult your doctor before taking this medicine.

• Not recommended if you have hypersensitivity to allopurinol, severe kidney/liver disease, or are on certain medications (e.g., azathioprine, mercaptopurine).

• Inform your doctor about all medications, as interactions can occur.

• Monitor liver/kidney function and blood counts regularly. Avoid if breastfeeding unless advised.

• Start treatment cautiously to prevent initial gout flares; your doctor may prescribe prophylactic anti-inflammatories.

Storage Conditions

Store at a temperature below 86°F (30 °C). Protect from light and moisture.

FAQs

Can I take Allopurinol Tablets IP 100 mg along with a contraceptive pill?

If you are taking Allopurinol Tablets IP 100 mg and it makes you vomit, then your contraceptive pill would not be effective, and it could lead to unwanted pregnancy. If you are of childbearing age, inform your doctor before starting Allopurinol Tablets IP 100 mg and use another form of contraceptive, like condoms.

Can taking Allopurinol Tablets IP 100 mg increase the attacks of gout?

Initially, when you start Allopurinol Tablets IP 100 mg, it can increase the number of gout attacks. Please do not stop taking Allopurinol Tablets IP 100 mg after having an acute attack (sudden attack) of gout, as it can make the attack even worse. Co-administration with an anti-inflammatory agent (colchicine) is recommended, and slowly increasing the dose of Allopurinol Tablets IP 100 mg.

Are Allopurinol Tablets IP 100 mg safe for elderly patients?

Generally, when Allopurinol Tablets IP 100 mg is given to elderly patients (above 65 years), the dose is lowered depending on the patient's condition. Also, if you mention all underlying diseases you suffer from, which could affect Allopurinol Tablets IP 100 mg, the dose will be adjusted accordingly by your doctor

Do Allopurinol Tablets IP 100 mg cause drowsiness?

Yes, Allopurinol Tablets IP 100 mg can cause drowsiness in some people. It can even make you feel dizzy or have a problem with coordination. It is advisable to avoid driving or operating machinery to avoid any unpleasant side effects.

Is Allopurinol Tablets IP 100 mg an anti-inflammatory?

No, Allopurinol Tablets IP 100 mg is not an anti-inflammatory medicine. It works by inhibiting the enzyme xanthine oxidase, the enzyme responsible for the formation of uric acid. It stops uric acid formation inside the body without affecting the essential mechanisms of cells and the body.