Allopurinol?

My son who is 29 yrs old has gout from 2 yrs.He started taking allopurinol 100 mgs on oct 19th 06 increasing the dose to 200mgs on 13thnov.He saw dryness at first and later rash on his face for the last 3 weeks.In the past he tried to control the gout attacks with colchicine and indocin but was still getting frequent attacks in all big joints.My question is the skin rash a serious reaction to stop the drug and is it a precursor to other side effects.Please advise.|||Side effects of Allopurinal -





Please read the excerpts from Wikipedia on allopurinal -


The side effects of high levels of precursors are usually minor. A small percentage of people develop a rash and must discontinue this drug. The most serious adverse event is a hypersensitivity syndrome consisting of fever, skin rash, eosinophilia, hepatitis, and worsening renal function. In some cases, allopurinol hypersensitivity syndrome.-





Accordingly you should stop giving allopurinol immediately and consult your doctor for alternative drug to be given. With out doctors advise do not give any medicine. This is very important-.|||How much area does the rash cover? Even so, you should contact your physician immediately.





Listed in Taber's Drug Guide:





Allopurinol (Adverse effects)


Dermatologic: Rashes - Maculopapular, scaly or exfoliative - sometimes fatal. (The guide lists this entry under the 'Life Threatening' column.)





Maculopapular - A rash that has both flat stained regions (macules) and small elevated bumps or pimples papules).





Papule - A small bump or pimple typically larger than a grain of salt that may range in color from pale, to yellow, red, brown, or black.





Macule - A flat spot on the skin whose color may be darker or lighter than the surrounding skin. (Example freckles)