Health Library

Allopurinol (By injection)

Allopurinol (al-oh-PURE-i-nol)

Treats high levels of uric acid in the body in patients receiving cancer treatment.

Brand Name(s):

Aloprim

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

How to Use This Medicine:

Injectable

• Your doctor will prescribe your dose and schedule. This medicine is given through a needle placed in a vein.
• A nurse or other health provider will give you this medicine.
• Drink 10 to 12 full glasses of liquids each day unless directed differently by your doctor.
• Missed dose: Call your doctor or pharmacist for instructions.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• Some medicines can affect how allopurinol works. Tell your doctor if you are taking any of the following:
  • Azathioprine, chlorpropamide, cyclophosphamide, cyclosporine, mercaptopurine
  • Antibiotics (including ampicillin, amoxicillin)
  • Blood thinner (including dicumarol, warfarin)
  • Diuretic (water pill)
• Do not take large doses of vitamin C while you are taking this medicine.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have kidney disease, liver disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, heart failure, seizures, or other medical problems.
• This medicine may cause the following problems:
  • Serious skin reactions, including toxic epidermal necrolysis, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS)
  • Liver problems
  • Kidney problems
  • Bone marrow problems
  .
• This medicine may make you drowsy. Do not drive or do anything that could be dangerous until you know how this medicine affects you.
• Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
• Blistering, peeling, red skin rash
• Dark urine or pale stools, loss of appetite, stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, yellow skin or eyes
• Pain when you urinate, cloudy or bloody urine, change in how much or how often you urinate

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Diarrhea
• Drowsiness

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088

Last Updated: 11/6/2020