{"id":62412,"date":"2024-01-09T13:18:50","date_gmt":"2024-01-09T18:18:50","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/?p=62412"},"modified":"2024-10-25T10:17:31","modified_gmt":"2024-10-25T14:17:31","slug":"allopurinol-interactions","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/allopurinol-interactions\/","title":{"rendered":"Allopurinol interactions to avoid"},"content":{"rendered":"

Allopurinol<\/span><\/a>, also known as its brand-name counterpart Zyloprim or Lopurin, is approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of <\/span>gout<\/span><\/a> and recurrent <\/span>kidney stones<\/span><\/a>. It’s also used to lower uric acid levels in people with certain types of cancer. It belongs to a class of drugs called <\/span>xanthine oxidase inhibitors<\/span><\/a>, which reduce uric acid levels by blocking a specific protein in the body. <\/span><\/p>\n

Although allopurinol is an effective treatment option, it can interact with several medications, such as certain blood pressure medications, diuretics, immunosuppressants, and antibiotics. These interactions can cause <\/span>side effects<\/span><\/a> or affect how allopurinol works. Additionally, people with kidney disease should use caution when taking allopurinol. Read on to learn more about potential allopurinol interactions and how to minimize the risk of harm.<\/span><\/p>\n

Allopurinol drug interactions<\/span><\/h2>\n

Allopurinol may interact with several different drugs. The effects of these interactions differ depending on the specific medication.<\/span><\/p>\n

Certain immunosuppressants<\/span><\/h3>\n

Allopurinol may <\/span>interact<\/span><\/a> with certain immunosuppressants, including <\/span>Imuran<\/span><\/a> (azathioprine), Purixan (<\/span>mercaptopurine<\/span><\/a>), and Neoral (<\/span>cyclosporine<\/span><\/a>). Immunosuppressants are medications that weaken the immune system. This is necessary in certain situations, such as when someone has an <\/span>autoimmune disorder<\/span><\/a> (where your immune system attacks your body) or for organ transplant recipients (to keep your immune system from rejecting the new organ).<\/span><\/p>\n

Taking allopurinol with Imuran (azathioprine), Purixan (mercaptopurine), or Neoral (cyclosporine) can increase the levels of these drugs in the body. This can result in <\/span>serious adverse effects<\/span><\/a>, including low blood cell counts. Due to this risk, healthcare providers will likely prescribe a lower dosage of these medications. They may also monitor you more closely for side effects.<\/span><\/p>\n

Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors<\/span><\/h3>\n

Taking <\/span>ACE inhibitors<\/span><\/a> with allopurinol can <\/span>increase your risk<\/span><\/a> of a hypersensitivity reaction, which is also known as an allergic reaction. Allopurinol may cause serious skin rashes. When taken with other drugs that cause serious skin reactions, such as ACE inhibitors, this risk is compounded. In some instances, this interaction may lead to a serious skin condition called Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS). <\/span> include fever, sore throat, red or purple rash that spreads, blisters on the skin, mouth, nose, eyes, or genitals, and skin shedding. If you develop any symptoms of SJS, get emergency medical help right away.<\/span><\/p>\n

Examples of ACE inhibitors include:<\/span><\/p>\n