Drug Interactions between allopurinol and hydrochlorothiazide / lisinopril

MONITOR CLOSELY: Coadministration of allopurinol with angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors has been associated with a risk of severe hypersensitivity reactions, neutropenia, agranulocytosis, and serious infections. The mechanism of interaction is unknown, but impaired renal function may be a predisposing factor. Case reports, albeit rare, have mostly involved captopril. Fever, myalgia, arthralgia, exfoliative dermatitis, and Stevens-Johnson syndrome (including one fatality) have been reported, with the latter occurring 3 to 5 weeks after initiation of allopurinol. In an isolated case involving enalapril, a man who had been receiving enalapril without incident developed generalized pruritus, urticaria, severe chest pain, severe nausea, peripheral cyanosis, hypotension, sinus tachycardia, and mild bronchospasm approximately 20 minutes after the first dose of allopurinol 100 mg prescribed for acute gout. Serial electrocardiograms and cardiac enzyme studies revealed evidence of acute myocardial infarction. Following recovery, the patient continued to take enalapril uneventfully without allopurinol. No pharmacokinetic interactions have been reported between allopurinol and ACE inhibitors. In a study of 12 healthy volunteers, allopurinol had no significant effect on the bioavailability of captopril.

MANAGEMENT: Caution is advised if allopurinol is prescribed in combination with an ACE inhibitor, particularly in the elderly and patients with renal impairment. Periodic monitoring of white blood cell counts is recommended. Patients should be advised to promptly discontinue these medications and seek medical attention if they develop dyspnea; throat constriction; swelling of the face, lips, or tongue; urticaria; rash; fever; arthralgia; or myalgia. Patients should also contact their physician if they notice signs of infection or experience fever, chills, sore throat, lethargy, body aches, or other flu-like symptoms.

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MONITOR: Serious hypersensitivity reactions to allopurinol have been well-documented in the medical literature. Case reports have suggested that thiazide diuretics may increase the risk of allopurinol-induced hypersensitivity reactions, especially in patients with renal insufficiency. The mechanism is unknown and pharmacokinetic studies with hydrochlorothiazide have not demonstrated any effects on the disposition of allopurinol or oxipurinol (its major metabolite).

MANAGEMENT: Patients should be advised to promptly report any signs of hypersensitivity, including rash, pruritus, fever, or chills.

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MONITOR: Although they are frequently combined in clinical practice, diuretics and angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors may have additive effects. Coadministration makes hypotension and hypovolemia more likely than does either drug alone. Some ACE inhibitors may attenuate the increase in the urinary excretion of sodium caused by some loop diuretics. Some patients on diuretics, especially those on dialysis or a dietary salt restriction, may experience acute hypotension with lightheadedness and dizziness after receiving the first dose of the ACE inhibitor. In addition, ACE inhibitors may cause renal insufficiency or acute renal failure in patients with sodium depletion or renal artery stenosis.

MANAGEMENT: Monitoring of blood pressure, diuresis, electrolytes, and renal function is recommended during coadministration. The possibility of first-dose hypotensive effects may be minimized by initiating therapy with small doses of the ACE inhibitor, or either discontinuing the diuretic temporarily or increasing the salt intake approximately one week prior to initiating an ACE inhibitor. Alternatively, the patient may remain under medical supervision for at least two hours after the first dose of the ACE inhibitor, or until blood pressure has stabilized.

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