Zyloprim

Zyloprim is a prescription medicine used for preventing several conditions, including gout, high uric acid levels caused by cancer treatment, and kidney stones due to high uric acid levels. By inhibiting the effects of a certain enzyme in the body, Zyloprim can lower uric acid levels. This medication comes in tablet form and is typically taken one or more times per day. Side effects include nausea, rashes, and diarrhea.

What Is Zyloprim?

Zyloprim® (allopurinol) is a prescription medication approved to prevent the following conditions:
 
  • Gout
  • High uric acid levels due to cancer treatment
  • Kidney stones in people with high uric acid levels.
     
(Click Zyloprim Uses for more information on what the medication is used for, including possible off-label uses.)
 

Who Makes Zyloprim?

Brand-name Zyloprim is made by DSM Pharmaceuticals, Inc., and is marketed by Prometheus Laboratories, Inc.
 

How Does It Work?

Zyloprim works by lowering uric acid levels. This helps to treat gout, as this condition occurs when the levels of uric acid become so high that crystals form inside the joint. The medication lowers uric acid levels by inhibiting xanthine oxidase, an enzyme responsible for producing uric acid in the body. By inhibiting xanthine oxidase, Zyloprim slows down the rate at which the body produces uric acid.
 
Zyloprim works well for preventing gout attacks, but it is not very effective for treating a gout attack that is already occurring. In fact, sometimes it temporarily seems to make gout worse at first. For these reasons, Zyloprim is usually taken along with other gout medications, at least temporarily.
 

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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;
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