A number of pathologies are characterized by increased formation of urates and their deposition in tissues. "Allopurinol" is a drug that reduces their number. When is the medicine worth using and how can it be replaced?
Act
The drug helps to reduce the activity of xanthine oxidase, that is, inhibits it. As a result of this, the formation of urates is reduced, since the enzyme is necessary for the conversion of hypoxanthine to xanthine and its further transformation into uric acid. That is why salts of this substance are not produced in excess and are not deposited in the tissues. Thus, Allopurinol acts. The analogs listed below have the same mechanism.
When is the drug used?
"Allopurinol" is necessary for diseases that are associated with metabolic disorders. This group primarily includes pathologies of the urinary system, accompanied by hyperuricemia, but there are other diseases among the indications. For example, excessive formation of urates is observed with increased decay of nucleotides, which is often of medicinal origin. The drug is prescribed for the following pathological conditions:
- urolithiasis, accompanied by the formation of urates;
- gout;
- tumor therapy;
- long-term treatment with corticosteroids;
- traumatic toxicosis;
- pathology of purine metabolism;
- psoriasis;
- cider of Lesch - Nyhen.
With these diseases, doctors prescribe Allopurinol, analogues. The price of drugs varies.
Can everyone use the medicine?
The drug has a serious effect on metabolic processes, therefore, it is not without contraindications. You can not take it in the presence of hypersensitivity, which will lead to allergic conditions. Also, the drug is contraindicated in renal failure, which is in the stage of azotemia; pregnancy and lactation, idiopathic hemochromatosis, acute manifestations of gout (an attack should be stopped before taking).
At the age of 14 years, the drug is prescribed only if there is significant evidence, while taking the medicine should be strictly controlled by a doctor. In addition, it should be taken with caution if there is heart failure, hypertension, or diabetes mellitus. This list is typical for the drug Allopurinol. Analogs also have contraindications. We will talk about the synonyms of the drug a little later.
Allopurinol: instructions for use
Analogs will be discussed below, but for now, let's talk about how to take Allopurinol. The use of the drug is allowed only under the supervision of a specialist, since a thorough individual dosage selection is required. During treatment, monitoring of serum uric acid level is necessary. The amount of active substance depends on the degree of the disease. With a mild course, as a rule, 100-200 mg per day are prescribed, and with an average dose, double. Severe pathologies usually require 700-900 mg per day. For children, the dosage is selected based on body weight. The effect of the drug is noted 24-48 hours after administration. The price is 120 rubles for 30 tablets.
Combination with other substances
Another factor that prevents self-medication is the presence of pathological reactions when combined with certain medications. "Allopurinol" can not be taken simultaneously with "Azathioprine", "Methotrexate", "Theophylline", mercaptopurines, since the toxicity of the latter increases. Also, the medicine is able to enhance the anticoagulant ability of indirect anticoagulants and the hypoglycemic effect of "Chlorpropamide". Combination with Amoxicillin and Ampicillin can cause skin rashes. Before the appointment, you should find out what drugs the patient is taking, and only after this proceed with treatment.
Allopurinol: analogues, synonyms
The drug has the following analogues: Allopurinol-Egis, Sanfipurol, Purinol, Allupol. The effect of the drugs is similar, but they have some differences. It is not always possible to purchase Allopurinol. Analogs, the price of which may be lower, solve the problem.
Alopron
The medicine can be used in pregnant women, but only if there are strict indications for treatment. In this case, the dosage should be selected more carefully. If it is necessary to prescribe the drug during lactation, you should stop feeding and temporarily switch to artificial nutrition. Therapy begins with the appointment of a reduced dose of 100 mg. After 1-3 weeks, it is increased to 300 mg. For children, the dosage is calculated based on body weight.
Allopurinol-Egis
The medicine, unlike the hero of the article, can be used practically in childhood as a child. It is prescribed inside, the dosage is selected taking into account individual characteristics. As a rule, 200-400 mg per day is required, but the dose can be increased if necessary. Children should use a smaller amount of the drug, and the daily portion is divided into three doses. Cost - 100-110 rubles.
An increased level of uric acid in the blood is fraught with deposition in the tissues of urates, mainly the kidneys are affected. The use of hypuricemic drugs, to which Allopurinol belongs, helps to prevent such consequences (analogues can also be used).