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Allopurinol ( a-low-PYUR-ih-nawl ) (Zyloprim®) What is this medication used for?
When large numbers of tumor cells break apart and die, parts of the cells contain uric acid. Uric acid may clump and form crystals that can damage the kidneys. Allopurinol lowers the amount of uric acid in the body and helps prevent crystals from forming in the kidneys. This medicine may be used when chemotherapy is first started in the treatment of certain cancers like leukemia.
What does it look like? • Tablet • Liquid (IV) • Oral suspension How is it given? • By mouth (oral or po)
What are the less common side effects? • Hair loss • Numbness and tingling in fingers and toes (neuropathy) • Severe dermatitis • Belly (abdominal) pain • Back pain • Allergic reaction (for example, low blood pressure or difficulty breathing) Special instructions: • This medicine is given 1–2 days before chemotherapy is started and may continue for a week. • The medicine should be given after meals and with plenty of fluid. • Patients may need to stop taking medications such as cyclophosphamide, warfarin, metformin, ampicillin, and
• Into the vein (IV) or venous access device What are the common side effects? • Mild nausea • Diarrhea • Rash, skin redness, or itching • Fever • Abnormal liver function tests
thiazide diuretics while taking allupurinol. • In utero exposure may cause fetal harm. • Allopurinol may be used in combination with
mercaptopurine to help decrease medication side effects when taken during different phases of chemotherapy treatments.
Notes from Your Healthcare Team
Not all of the possible side effects of this medicine and precautions related to taking it are covered in this information sheet. For a complete list of side effects and precautions, ask your healthcare professional (doctor, nurse, pharmacist) for a manufacturer’s package insert or another reference.
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