Allopurinol
Generic Name
Allopurinol
Indications/Uses
Allopurinol is mainly used in the treatment of certain health disorders arising from excessive uric acid in the blood stream. The crystallization of uric acid forms bladder stones in dogs with liver shunts, but primarily in Dalmatians. In addition, allopurinol helps cure gout problems in dogs and birds. The active ingredient in Allopurinol is xanthine oxidase. Though not FDA approved for use in veterinary medicine, veterinarians commonly use it to cure recurrent urate bladder stones in dogs.
Precautions
Allopurinol is a prescription drug, which can only be obtained from a veterinarian. Allopurinol should not be used in animals with hypersensitivity or allergy to the drug. It should be used with extreme caution in animals with deteriorated kidney and liver function. Allopurinol might possibly interact with other medications. So, consult with the veterinarian for possible drug reactions.
Side Effects
The common side effects of this medicine are diarrhea, cramping or nausea. Another side effect is skin rashes, which occurs only when used with Ampicillin and Amoxicillin.
Dosage Information
The general dose of allopurinol in dogs is 3 to 5 mg per pound (10 mg/kg) every 8 hours or 7 mg per pound (15 mg/kg) every 12 hours. For cats, the typical dose is 4 mg per pound (8.8 mg/kg) per day. The drug should consumed by mouth, and preferably given with food. Pregnant and nursing animals, and puppies and kittens should not be given this medication. For the treatment of canine leishmaniasis, allopurinol is administered at 5 mg per pound (10 mg/kg) every 12 hours for prolonged treatment.
Brand Names
Zyloprim, Allohexal, Progout and Zyloric.