Patient/caregiver was educated on the side-effects of using allopurinol as follows: General constitutional side-effects Allopurinol use can sometimes result in common general constitutional symptoms such as, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. These constitutional symptoms can be self-limiting and resolve over time. Taking allopurinol with a small snack can help avoid having unpleasant gastrointestinal symptoms with the medication. General allergic reactions Allopurinol use can result in severe skin rash and itching. Some patients can present with symptoms [...]

Patient/caregiver was educated on contraindications for using allopurinol as follows: Allopurinol is significantly metabolized in the liver and excreted in urine, by the kidneys. If liver function is deficient, metabolism of allopurinol could be slowed down. Slowing down of the drug metabolism can result in increased risk for compromised therapeutic benefits and toxicity with the medication.  Also, allopurinol carries a risk of liver damage and compromised liver function and so, should be very cautiously used [...]

Patient/caregiver was educated upon how to take allopurinol as follows: Take this medication as ordered by your physician. This medication can induce some nausea and vomiting, when taken on empty stomach. Taking the medication with some food or snack can help avoid these unpleasant gastrointestinal symptoms. Take the tablet as a whole. If you have difficulty swallowing the whole tablet, allopurinol tablet could be crushed and the powder be taken mixed with some food or [...]

Patient/caregiver was instructed upon indications for allopurinol use as follows: Uric acid produced in the body is usually completely excreted in the urine. Uric acid deposition in the body tissues can happen either due to an excess of uric acid production or reduced excretion of uric acid by the kidneys, thus precipitating a favorable environment for development of gout and uric acid renal stones. Conditions causing excessive uric acid production: Individuals with excessive consumption of [...]

Patient/caregiver was instructed upon therapeutic uses and mechanism of action of allopurinol as follows Uric acid is a by-product of purine (which is a kind of protein) breakdown in the body. Increasing amounts of uric acid also form in the body, secondary to consumption of foods rich in purines. Xanthine oxidase is an enzyme in the body, which acts to produce uric acid from purines. Uric acid produced in the body is usually completely excreted [...]