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Allopurinol vs. Colchicine

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.

• 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

• Diarrhea
• Nausea
• High liver enzyme levels
• Rash

• Severe skin reaction
• More gout attacks
• Kidney stones and kidney injury
• Liver damage
• Low blood cell counts
• Sleepiness and dizziness

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.

• Prevention and treatment of gout flares in adults
• Treatment of familial Mediterranean fever (FMF) in people ages 4 years and older

• Diarrhea (up to 77%)
• Nausea (up to 17%)
• Vomiting (up to 17%)

• Life-threatening overdose
• Low blood cell counts
• Drug interactions
• Nerve or muscle toxicity