PTCB Certified Pharmacy Technician (PTCE)MedicationsMedium
A pharmacy technician is reviewing a new prescription for a patient with gout. The prescription is for 'allopurinol 100 mg, take 1 tablet by mouth daily'. Which of the following auxiliary labels is most important to include with this medication?
- AAvoid prolonged sun exposure.
- BMay cause drowsiness.
- CDrink plenty of water.
- DTake with food or milk.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: C. Drink plenty of water.
Allopurinol works by reducing uric acid production. To help prevent kidney stone formation and promote the excretion of uric acid, it is crucial for patients to maintain adequate hydration by drinking plenty of water while taking this medication. This also helps prevent renal calculi and crystal deposition.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Photosensitivity is not a common side effect of allopurinol; this label is more appropriate for drugs like tetracyclines or sulfonamides.
- B. Drowsiness is not a primary or common side effect of allopurinol that would warrant a prominent auxiliary label.
- D. While some medications are better tolerated with food, allopurinol can generally be taken with or without food. Drinking plenty of water is a more critical instruction.
Allopurinol Auxiliary Labeling
Key patient instructions for allopurinol, primarily emphasizing adequate hydration to prevent adverse effects related to uric acid metabolism.
- 'Drink plenty of water' is crucial to prevent kidney stone formation.
- Used to treat gout and hyperuricemia.
- Can also cause skin rash (Stevens-Johnson Syndrome in rare cases).
Memory trick: Labels guide the way, ensuring safe medicine play.