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Compare Allopurinol vs. Colchicine

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

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

  • 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 is used for the treatment and prevention of gout flares, but its cost and side effects limit its use. It's also a first-choice medication for treating familial Mediterranean fever (FMF). This medication comes as tablets, capsules, and an oral solution.

  • 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
    •Gout prevention
    •Gout treatment - tablets only
    •Familial Mediterranean fever (FMF) - tablets only

  • 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
    •Can be taken once or twice a day with or without food
    •Helpful for preventing gout when people are first starting allopurinol (Zyloprim)
    •Tablets work quickly to treat gout flares if they happen
    •For tablets, dose easily adjustable based on how you respond to the medication; they're scored to make it easier to split your dose if needed
    •Tablets are a first-choice medication for treating familial Mediterranean fever (FMF)
    Cons
    •Tablets and capsules available as a generic, but can be still more expensive than other treatment options for gout like nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
    •Risk of blood problems if taken long term
    •Might need lower dose if you have kidney or liver problems
    •Interacts with a lot of medications
    •Might affect fertility in males

  • Common Side Effects of Allopurinol vs. Colchicine

    Common Side Effects for
    •Diarrhea
    •Nausea
    •High liver enzyme levels
    •Rash
    Common Side Effects for
    •Diarrhea (23%)
    •Nausea (4%)

  • 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
    •Blood problems
    •Medication and food 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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