ZYLOPRIM DRUG INFO

HOW TO USE
Zyloprim tablets should be taken by mouth. It is usually taken once or twice a day, preferably after a meal and should be taken around the same time everyday. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part that you do not understand. Take Zyloprim exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor. It may take several months or even longer before you feel the full benefit of Zyloprim. It may also increase the number of gout attacks during the first few months that you take it, although it will eventually prevent attacks. Your doctor may prescribe another medication such as Colchicine to prevent gout attacks for the first few months that you take Zyloprim. Continue to take Zyloprim even if you feel well and do not stop taking it without speaking first to your doctor.

POSSIBLE SIDE EFFECTS
Zyloprim may cause some side effects. Let your doctor know if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away - upset stomach; diarrhea; drowsiness. Some side effects may be serious and the following symptoms are uncommon, but if you experience any of them, call your doctor immediately - skin rash; painful urination; blood in the urine; irritation of the eyes; swelling of the lips or mouth; fever, sore throat, chills, and other signs of infection; loss of appetite; unexpected weight loss; itching. Let your doctor know if you experience other side effects as well, especially if any are particularly unusual or troubling.

INTERACTIONS
Let the Doctor know of all prescription and non-prescription drugs that you are currently before you start taking Colchicine. When taking Colchicine, it is especially important that the Doctor know if you are taking any of the following - Amphotericin B by injection (e.g., Fungizone); Antineoplastics (cancer medicine); Antithyroid agents (medicine for overactive thyroid); Azathioprine (e.g., Imuran); Chloramphenicol (e.g., Chloromycetin); Cyclophosphamide (e.g., Cytoxan); Flucytosine (e.g., Ancobon); Ganciclovir (e.g., Cytovene); Interferon (e.g., Intron A, Roferon-A); Mercaptopurine (e.g., Purinethol); Methotrexate (e.g., Mexate); Phenylbutazone (e.g., Butazolidin); Plicamycin (e.g., Mithracin); Zidovudine (e.g., Retrovir).

PRECAUTIONS
Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Throw away any medication that is outdated or no longer needed. Talk to your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your medication. Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory. Your doctor will order certain lab tests to check your body's response to Zyloprim. Drink at least eight glasses of water or other fluids each day while taking Zyloprim (unless directed to do otherwise by your doctor).