What is the most important information I should know about Zyloprim?

• To reduce the risk that kidney stones will form, drink 8 to 10 full glasses (8-ounce glasses) of fluid every day, unless your doctor directs otherwise.
• Avoid alcohol. It may worsen your condition.
• Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. Zyloprim may cause drowsiness. If you experience drowsiness, avoid these activities.

What is Zyloprim?

• Zyloprim reduces the production of uric acid in your body.
• Zyloprim is used to treat gout, increased levels of uric acid caused by cancer treatment, and kidney stones that are caused by high levels of uric acid.
• Zyloprim may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking Zyloprim?

• Before taking Zyloprim, tell your doctor if you have kidney or liver disease. You may need a lower dose of Zyloprim or special monitoring during your therapy.
• Zyloprim is in the FDA pregnancy category C. This means that it is not known whether Zyloprim will harm an unborn baby. Do not take Zyloprim without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant.
• Zyloprim passes into breast milk. Do not take Zyloprim without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How should I take Zyloprim?

• Take Zyloprim exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.
• Take each dose with a full glass of water. Also, to reduce the risk that kidney stones will form, drink 8 to 10 full glasses (8-ounce glasses) of fluid every day, unless your doctor directs otherwise.
• Take Zyloprim with food or milk to lessen stomach upset.
• Store Zyloprim at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

What happens if I miss a dose?

• Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the dose you missed and take only your next regularly scheduled dose. Do not take a double dose of this medication.

What happens if I overdose?

• Seek emergency medical attention.
• Symptoms of an Zyloprim overdose are not known.

What should I avoid while taking Zyloprim?

• Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. Zyloprim may cause drowsiness. If you experience drowsiness, avoid these activities.
• Avoid alcohol. It may worsen your condition.
• Follow your doctor's recommendations about diet.

What are the possible side effects of Zyloprim?

• If you experience any of the following serious side effects, stop taking Zyloprim and seek emergency medical attention:
  • an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of your throat; swelling of your lips, tongue, or face; or hives);
  • blood in your urine or pain when you urinate;
  • a rash;
  • eye irritation;
  • fever, chills, or joint aches; or
  • severe nausea or vomiting.
• Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to take Zyloprim and talk to your doctor if you experience
  • upset stomach or diarrhea;
  • headache, dizziness, or drowsiness; or
  • an acute attack of gouty arthritis.
• Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any reaction that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

What other drugs will affect Zyloprim?

• Taking ampicillin (Principen, Omnipen, others) or amoxicillin (Amoxil, Augmentin, Trimox, Wymox, others) may increase the risk that a rash will develop during Zyloprim therapy. Tell your doctor that you are taking Zyloprim if you need to take ampicillin or amoxicillin.
• Thiazide diuretics (water pills) may increase the amount of Zyloprim in your blood. Tell your doctor if you are taking a diuretic such as
  • hydrochlorothiazide (Hydrodiuril, Hygroton, HCTZ, others),
  • chlorothiazide (Diuril, others),
  • chlorthalidone (Thalitone, others), or
  • indapamide (Lozol).
• Zyloprim may also increase the effects of the certain other drugs. Before taking Zyloprim, tell your doctor if you are taking any of the following medicines:
  • azathioprine (Imuran),
  • mercaptopurine (Purinethol),
  • drugs used to treat cancer,
  • cyclosporine (Sandimmune, Neoral),
  • chlorpropamide (Diabinese),
  • warfarin (Coumadin), or
  • theophylline (Theochron, Theolair, Theo-Dur, others).
• You may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring if you are taking any of the drugs listed above.
• Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with Zyloprim. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines.