Get Informed: Allopurinol

iGuard.org Answer/Reply:

In general, consuming large amounts of alcohol is known to cause changes in behavior and sometimes causes blackouts. Allopurinol does not affect how your body reacts to alcohol. However, consuming large quantities of alcohol can result in decreased effects of allopurinol. It is best to avoid drinking alcohol when you are taking medicines.

Posted: 2009-11-08 22:30:52

iGuard.org Answer/Reply:

The iGuard drug interaction system does not list an interaction between allopurinol and beer or non-alcoholic beer. However, beer is thought to increase the risk of gout attacks because it is high in purines. During digestion, purines break down to form uric acid. Normally, uric acid leaves the body through the urine. If the kidneys are unable to process all of the uric acid, levels in the blood become too high and may then form crystal deposits in the joints. These deposits are the cause of gout. You may be able to ward off gout attacks by avoiding drinking large amounts of alcohol and choosing your drink wisely. Wines are less likely to cause problems with gout.

Non-alcoholic beers are often brewed like alcoholic beers but the alcohol is removed at the end of the process. Our resources did not have any information about the purine content of non-alcoholic beer so it is best to avoid drinking large amounts of non-alcoholic beer as well.

Posted: 2009-08-09 22:34:12

Answer/Reply:

yes

43 year old Male

Posted: 2009-08-23 11:38:15

Answer/Reply:

I've been on 300mgs of Allopurinol for over 25 years. My liver functions are just fine as of last week so yes, I'd say it's fine to have a drink or two or a couple glasses of wine. I've been doing it and continue to enjoy them in moderation. It's a gout thing that I inherited from my dad.

I hope this helps you. Don't sweat it. Allopurinol is a good medication. I haven't had an attack since I went on the Atkin's diet and over did it with the protiens. Atkin's diet is really good for us. I lost a lot of weight, felt great, and as long as you can get off sugar in all forms it will work for you.Just keep in mind that too much is too much. Eat the eggs, but ditch the yolks.

Eric

53 year old Male

Posted: 2009-08-27 23:34:19

Answer/Reply:

Hi,
I've been taking Allopurinol for over 30 years for gout. The weight comes and goes but since I live in VT my activity level diminishes during the winter and the dreaded weight gain comes along. Your Dr. is correct. It has nothing to do with weight gain. Exercise is the key. I was doing fine until a herniated disk in my back tossed my exercise program out the bloody window. I'm 53 and I see you're 70 so my suggestion is yoga. It will help.

Here's you you fitting back into a size 4 and me a 34" waist!!!

Vermont guy.

53 year old Male

Posted: 2009-03-29 18:05:42

Answer/Reply:

To those of you who are taking allupurinol, please, please make sure you have your lab work done every three months; reason being allupurinol can affect your kidneys and other organs. For those of us who have diabetes, we have to monitor ourselves numerous ways. This med can make you severely tired, gain weight, and compounding it with colchicine, if any of you are taking this, can give you loose bowels. Yes, this is a weight gain med. I am a black female in late 50"s, and I do suffer with gout. This medication has helped a lot with my flares. Hope I was helpful. It helps to eat right, and make sure you are being treatet by an appropriate doctor for your specific med condition, i.e., pulmonary specialist, endocrinologist, rheumatologist, etc.

56 year old Female

Posted: 2009-04-23 05:57:24

Answer/Reply:

I too had weight gain. A rare side effect.

Take a look at this site....weight gain is on it ( rapid).

http://www.drugs.com/cons/allopurinol.html

Good Luck,
Jeff

50 year old Male

Posted: 2009-06-20 10:39:39