Chemistry Overview of Allopurinol (5544 DAN DAN Pill)
Medically Reviewed by AJAY AWASE | Written by Ajay, PharmD, IGNTU
Chemistry Overview of Allopurinol (5544 DAN DAN Pill)
Chemical Structure
- IUPAC Name: 1,5-Dihydro-4H-pyrazolo[3,4-d]pyrimidin-4-one
- Chemical Formula: C₇H₅N₄O
- Molecular Weight: 153.14 g/mol
Mechanism of Action
Allopurinol works primarily as a xanthine oxidase inhibitor. Here’s how it functions at the molecular level:
- Uric Acid Production: Through a series of chemical processes, the body converts purines to uric acid; xanthine oxidase is a crucial enzyme in this pathway.
- Inhibition: Allopurinol imitates hypoxanthine, which functions as xanthine oxidase’s substrate and blocks the enzyme’s activity. As a result, less uric acid is produced.
- Metabolites: Oxypurinol, which is produced when allopurinol is metabolized in the liver, inhibits xanthine oxidase as well, which adds to its medicinal properties.
Physical Properties
- Appearance: The 5544 DAN DAN pill is a round, white tablet.
- Solubility: Because allopurinol dissolves in water, oral administration increases its bioavailability.
Pharmacokinetics
- Absorption: Absorption of allopurinol from the gastrointestinal system happens quickly.
- Distribution: Its volume of distribution (Vd), which is roughly 1.6 L/kg, is spread throughout the body.
- Metabolism: The liver is mainly responsible for breaking down the medication into its active metabolite, oxypurinol.
- Excretion: Renal function is crucial to dosage calculations because the kidneys are the primary organs responsible for excreting allopurinol and its metabolites.
Reactions and Interactions
- Drug Interactions: Allopurinol can interact with several medications, such as:
- Azathioprine: Increased risk of toxicity due to decreased metabolism.
- Mercaptopurine: Similar interaction as with azathioprine.
- Dietary Impact: Foods high in purines, like red meat and shellfish, can counteract the effects of allopurinol if they are not well handled..
Safety and Toxicology
- Side Effects: Common adverse effects include sleepiness, redness, and upset stomach. Liver poisoning and severe skin responses are examples of serious reactions.
- Pregnancy Category: Category C, indicates that there is always a chance of risk; if you are pregnant or intend to become pregnant, speak with a doctor.
Conclusion
Because of its biochemical interactions and activities, allopurinol is an essential medicine for the management of gout and hyperuricemia. Comprehending its chemical characteristics and workings helps improve therapy results and patient care. For individualized guidance and management, always seek the assistance of a healthcare expert.
Here are some references for the chemistry overview of Allopurinol and the 5544 DAN DAN pill:
- PubChem: Allopurinol Information
- DrugBank: Allopurinol (DB00924)
- National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI): Allopurinol Overview
- MedlinePlus: Allopurinol Information
- Molecular Pharmacology Texts: For insights into mechanism of action and pharmacokinetics.
- A typical pharmacology textbook like “Goodman & Gilman’s: The Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics”.
- U.S. National Library of Medicine: Drug Information Portal
These resources provide reliable information about Allopurinol’s chemical structure, mechanism of action, pharmacokinetics, and safety profile.