HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

Get your health question answered instantly from our pool of 18000+ doctors from over 80 specialties
159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM BlogQuestions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction

Do Allopurinol And Colchicine Cause Liver Or Kidney Damage?

Yes I am a heavy daily drinker for over 20 years who just got gout again. My doctor prescribed Allopurinol and Colchicine. I am worried that this medications might hurt my liver and kidneys. Should I be using these prescriptions? Would it be wise to seek all natural methods in my case?
Tue, 4 Jul 2017
Report Abuse
General & Family Physician,  's  Response
Hi & Welcome.

Although rare but they can cause the liver or kidney damage.

Gout is caused when a substance called uric acid forms painful crystals in the body, typically in the joints.

1. Allopurinol is used to decrease uric acid levels in the blood and urine of people with high uric acid levels like in gout.

Its common side effects include skin rash, diarrhea, nausea, and gout flare-up (if used in the acute gout).
Its serious side effect includes liver damage resulting in lack of appetite,
weight loss, right upper abdominal area pain or discomfort, jaundice (dark-colored urine or yellowing of your skin or the whites of your eyes),

2. Colchicine is used to prevent or treat the symptoms of acute gout. Its more common side effects include diarrhea, abdominal pain, and vomiting.

Its serious side effects and their symptoms can include rhabdomyolysis (muscle damage). This serious syndrome can cause kidney disease, and can be life-threatening.

First of all you should avoid taking alcohol or alcoholic containing beverages, foods such as beef, shrimps, beans, etc. Take plenty of oral fluids (water) to ensure an adequate urine out put so as to facilitate excretion of uric acid.

Continue taking the prescribed medications and observe for their side effects which if you develop should be brought to the notice of your doctor.

Hope this will help you.
I find this answer helpful
Note: For further follow up on related General & Family Physician Click here.
Disclaimer: These answers are for your information only and not intended to replace your relationship with your treating physician.
This is a short, free answer. For a more detailed, immediate answer, try our premium service [Sample answer]
Share on
 
Loading Online Doctors....
Do Allopurinol And Colchicine Cause Liver Or Kidney Damage?

Hi & Welcome. Although rare but they can cause the liver or kidney damage. Gout is caused when a substance called uric acid forms painful crystals in the body, typically in the joints. 1. Allopurinol is used to decrease uric acid levels in the blood and urine of people with high uric acid levels like in gout. Its common side effects include skin rash, diarrhea, nausea, and gout flare-up (if used in the acute gout). Its serious side effect includes liver damage resulting in lack of appetite, weight loss, right upper abdominal area pain or discomfort, jaundice (dark-colored urine or yellowing of your skin or the whites of your eyes), 2. Colchicine is used to prevent or treat the symptoms of acute gout. Its more common side effects include diarrhea, abdominal pain, and vomiting. Its serious side effects and their symptoms can include rhabdomyolysis (muscle damage). This serious syndrome can cause kidney disease, and can be life-threatening. First of all you should avoid taking alcohol or alcoholic containing beverages, foods such as beef, shrimps, beans, etc. Take plenty of oral fluids (water) to ensure an adequate urine out put so as to facilitate excretion of uric acid. Continue taking the prescribed medications and observe for their side effects which if you develop should be brought to the notice of your doctor. Hope this will help you.