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, Aloprim Novaplus

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 extra fluids so you will urinate more often and help prevent kidney problems.
• 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 using any of the following:
  • Azathioprine, bendamustine, capecitabine, chlorpropamide, cyclophosphamide, cyclosporine, fluorouracil, mercaptopurine, pegloticase, theophylline
  • Antibiotics (including ampicillin, amoxicillin)
  • Blood thinner (including dicumarol, warfarin)
  • Diuretic (water pill)
  • Medicines to treat gout

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• It is not safe to take this medicine during pregnancy. It could harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant.
• Do not breastfeed during treatment and for 1 week after the last dose.
• Tell your doctor 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 bleed, bruise, or get infections more easily. Take precautions to prevent illness and injury. Wash your hands often.
• 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
• Bloody or cloudy urine, change in how much or how often you urinate, lower back or side pain, painful or difficult urination
• Dark urine or pale stools, loss of appetite, stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, yellow skin or eyes
• Unusual bleeding, bruising, or weakness

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

• 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: 9/6/2024