Allopurinol
(al-lo-pur-in-ol)
Definition | Special instructions | Missed dose | Side effects | Warning signs
What is allopurinol?
This medication prevents the action of a certain enzyme in your child's body. It is used to treat a number of different medical conditions including helping to prevent kidney damage in some types of cancer with chemotherapy, gout, and kidney stones. If you are not sure why your child has been prescribed allopurinol ask your child's doctor to explain. It may be given by injection, by mouth as a tablet or your pharmacy may be able to make a liquid form that can be taken by mouth.
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Special Instructions
- It is important that your child drink a full glass of water with each oral dose and that your child drinks plenty of fluids during the day while taking this medication.
- It is best for your child to take this medication with food or milk to help prevent stomach upset.
- If your child does vomit within 30 minutes of taking the dose, call your child's doctor immediately. You may be instructed to repeat the dose.
- Do not give this medication after the expiration date on the bottle.
- Store this medication at room temperature, away from moisture and sunlight. Do not store in the bathroom. The liquid form may be stored at room temperature or in the refrigerator.
- Keep this medication out of the reach of children
- If too much medication is taken by accident, call the Drug and Poison Information Center (DPIC), 513-636-5111 or 1-800-222-1212 or call your child's doctor right away.
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Missed dose
For any medication information related to your child's dosing schedule and/or missed doses, contact the healthcare provider who prescribed the medication.
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Side effects
Contact your child's doctor if symptoms persist or become bothersome:
- Stomach upset
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
- Drowsiness
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Warning signs
Call your child's doctor immediately if your child develops:
- Yellowing of the skin or eyes
- Muscle aches
- Easy bruising of the skin
- Itchy skin
- Fever
- Rash
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Contact Us
For additional information on this or any Health Topic, please call the Family Resource Center, 513-636-7606, or your pediatrician.
PEP 5007 V 9/2000
rev. 9/05, 8/07
