What class of drug is allopurinol?

What class of drug is allopurinol?

Allopurinol is in a class of medications called xanthine oxidase inhibitors. It works by reducing the production of uric acid in the body. High levels of uric acid may cause gout attacks or kidney stones. Allopurinol is used to prevent gout attacks, not to treat them once they occur.

Which drugs are sulfa drugs?

Sulfa-containing drugs include:

• sulfonamide antibiotics, including sulfamethoxazole-trimethoprim (Bactrim, Septra) and erythromycin-sulfisoxazole (Eryzole, Pediazole)
• some diabetes medications, such as glyburide (Diabeta, Glynase PresTabs)

What is the generic name for sulfa?

Examples of sulfonamides includes sulfadiazine, sulfamethizole (brand name: Thiosulfil Forte), sulfamethoxazole (Gantanol), sulfasalazine (Azulfidine), sulfisoxazole (Gantrisin), and various high-strength combinations of three sulfonamides. Sulfa drugs kill bacteria and fungi by interfering with cell metabolism.

Is allopurinol a blood thinner?

Allopurinol decreases blood and urine uric acid levels by blocking xanthine oxidase. This is an enzyme that helps make uric acid. High levels of uric acid in your blood or urine can cause gout or kidney stones.

Are sulfur and sulfa the same thing?

Sulfur is a chemical element that is part of the molecules of all chemical compounds known as sulfa drugs, sulfides, sulfates and sulfites, among many others. They are all different kinds of chemical compounds with different properties and uses.

Does allopurinol cause cancer?

Earlier research had also shown that gout patients taking allopurinol had a lowered risk for colorectal cancer, one of the most commonly diagnosed cancers among men and women in the U.S. According to 2010 statistics from the American Cancer Society, there were an estimated 102,900 new cases of colon cancer and 39,670 new cases of rectal cancer.

Is allopurinol taken for life?

Allopurinol isn’t a treatment for acute attacks of gout and is generally needed for life. It’s important to keep taking allopurinol (unless you have severe side-effects): even if it doesn’t seem to be working at first.

What is allopurinol prescribed for?

Allopurinol is also used to prevent or treat high uric acid levels that may be caused by cancer medicines or for patients with kidney stones that contain calcium. This medicine is available only with your doctor’s prescription.

Does allopurinol cause kidney failure?

It is important to drink plenty of fluids while taking allopurinol, in order to help prevent kidney stones from forming. Some people have developed kidney failure while taking allopurinol. This is more likely to occur in people with cancer or who already have kidney problems.