CONTRIBUTOR(S): Vetstream Ltd, Polly Frowde,
Medication: Allopurinol
Medication: Allopurinol
Your cat has been prescribed allopurinol either as part of a treatment protocol for leishmaniasis (a disease caused by the Leishmania parasite) or as part of the treatment protocol for urolithiasis (bladder stones).
Key points:
• Decreases the formation of uric acid (uric acid can cause bladder stones and is used by Leishmania parasites to survive).
• No licensed veterinary products are available containing this drug. Your veterinarian can advise you regarding off-license use of this medication for your pet.
• Dosage: varies depending on the diagnosis. Follow your veterinarian’s directions.
This information sheet is designed to help answer commonly asked questions and help you give the medication safely and effectively to your pet. It does not contain all available information for this medication. If you have other questions or need more information, contact your veterinarian or pharmacist.Always follow the dosing instructions provided by your veterinarian.
Name, Brand names, Class of medication and Storage
Name
- Allopurinol (al-oh-pyoor-ih-nol).
Brand name
- There are no licensed veterinary products containing allopurinol. The following are the names of some human medications containing allopurinol that may be prescribed for your dog:
- Zyloric.
- Caplenal.
- Cosuric.
- Rimapurinol.
Class of medication
- Xanthine oxidase inhibitor.
Storage
- Store at room temperature.
Why has my cat been prescribed allopurinol?
Your veterinarian has prescribed allopurinol either as part of a treatment protocol for leishmaniasis (a disease caused by the Leishmania parasite) or as part of the treatment protocol for urolithiasis (bladder stones).
How is the medication given?
Allopurinol is given by mouth and is best given with food. Preparations vary and dosing frequency will be advised by your veterinarian.
Are there any side-effects or drug interactions?
Allopurinol should be used with caution in animals with kidney disease.
Allopurinol should not be administered concurrently with azathioprine and should be used with caution with the following drugs: cyclophosphamide, oral anticoagulants and theophylline.
Possible side-effects include development of xanthine urolithiasis (a type of bladder stone). Your veterinarian may advise a change of diet to help reduce this risk.
Allopurinol should not be used in animals that have previously had an allergic reaction to allopurinol.
In humans, it has been reported that combining allopurinol with ampicillin or amoxicillin has resulted in skin rashes. In humans, the following side-effects have also been reported in association with allopurinol: vomiting, diarrhea and drowsiness. Data is lacking regarding the likelihood of side-effects in cats.
How long will my cat need to receive this medication?
Allopurinol should be administered according to your veterinarian’s instructions. The treatment course may vary between patients, but lifelong treatment may be necessary.
How should I dispose of this medication if I don’t use it all?
Dispose of any unused allopurinol safely – do not flush down the toilet or sink. Ask your veterinary team if they take back medication for disposal. Do not save allopurinol for future use or give to other pets.
What if I miss a dose or give an extra dose?
If you miss a dose, give the dose as soon as possible but do not give a double dose. Make sure the dose given does not exceed the total recommended dose in any 24-hour period.
My cat is unwell, should I still give the drug?
If your pet is unwell, contact your veterinarian for advice.
What should I do if this medication is accidentally given to another pet or taken by a human?
Allopurinol should only be given to the cat that it has been prescribed for. If accidentally given to other pets, contact your veterinarian for advice.
If accidentally consumed by a human, speak to your primary care physician or poison control center.
Will my cat need to be monitored while on allopurinol?
Your veterinarian may need to regularly check your pet during treatment, and in particular may wish to monitor your pet’s kidney function and urine composition.
Further information
If you have any concerns, further information on allopurinol can be found on the package insert.
Europe & UK
- There are no licensed veterinary products containing allopurinol available in the UK and Europe.
US
- There are no licensed veterinary products containing allopurinol available in the US.
Always follow the recommended dosage and contact your veterinary team or pharmacist if you have any questions regarding your cat’s medication.
