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Compare Allopurinol vs. Colchicine

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.

  • Allopurinol (Zyloprim)
    Colchicine (Colcrys)
  • Allopurinol (Zyloprim)
    Colchicine (Colcrys)

  • Summary of Allopurinol vs. Colchicine

    Summary for Antigout
    Prescription only

    Allopurinol (Zyloprim) is a xanthine oxidase inhibitor that lowers uric acid levels in the body. It's used to treat gout in adults. This prescription medication can also prevent recurrent calcium oxalate kidney stones in adults. In addition, allopurinol (Zyloprim) helps prevent tumor lysis syndrome in people with cancer who are taking certain chemotherapy (cancer medications). Allopurinol (Zyloprim) is a lower-cost generic tablet that's taken by mouth. Side effects are generally mild but can include diarrhea and nausea.

    Summary for Antigout
    Prescription only

    Colchicine 0.6 mg tablet, also known by its brand name Colcrys, is used to treat and prevent gout flares (attacks) in adults. It can also treat a genetic condition called familial Mediterranean fever (FMF) in people ages 4 years and up. Colchicine (Colcrys) works as an anti-inflammatory medication. In general, you take your dose by mouth once or twice per day. To treat a gout flare, it's taken once at the first sign of the attack, then again an hour later. Side effects include diarrhea and nausea. Colchicine (Colcrys) is available as a brand-name and generic medication.

  • Indications of Allopurinol vs. Colchicine

    Indications for
    •Gout in adults
    •Prevention of tumor lysis syndrome from certain chemotherapy medications in adults and children with cancer
    •Recurrent calcium oxalate kidney stones in adults
    Indications for
    •Prevention and treatment of gout flares in adults
    •Treatment of familial Mediterranean fever (FMF) in people ages 4 years and older

  • Pros and Cons of Allopurinol vs. Colchicine

    Pros and Const for Antigout
    Pros
    •First-choice option for treating gout
    •Can take with or without food
    •Available as a lower-cost generic
    Cons
    •Might raise the risk for gout attacks in the first few weeks (since your uric acid levels are rapidly changing during this time)
    •Can cause kidney stones, especially in people who don't drink a lot of fluids
    •Possible risk for low blood cell levels and liver damage
    Pros and Const for Antigout
    Pros
    •Works well for preventing and treating gout flares
    •A first-choice option for managing FMF
    •Appears to be safe while pregnant or breastfeeding
    Cons
    •Can cause some stomach upset
    •Available by prescription only; not over the counter
    •Interacts with a lot of medications and grapefruit

  • Common Side Effects of Allopurinol vs. Colchicine

    Common Side Effects for
    •Diarrhea
    •Nausea
    •High liver enzyme levels
    •Rash
    Common Side Effects for
    •Diarrhea (up to 77%)
    •Nausea (up to 17%)
    •Vomiting (up to 17%)

  • Warnings of Allopurinol vs. Colchicine

    Common Side Effects for
    •Severe skin reaction
    •More gout attacks
    •Kidney stones and kidney injury
    •Liver damage
    •Low blood cell counts
    •Sleepiness and dizziness
    Common Side Effects for
    •Life-threatening overdose
    •Low blood cell counts
    •Drug interactions
    •Nerve or muscle toxicity

  • Prices with our coupons for Allopurinol vs. Colchicine

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    Learn more about Colchicine

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