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Compare Indocin vs. Allopurinol

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

Key takeaways

Indocin (indomethacin) and Zyloprim (allopurinol) are both prescription medications, but they treat different conditions and belong to different drug classes. Indocin is an NSAID used to treat various types of arthritis, shoulder pain, and gouty arthritis by reducing inflammation and pain. It is available as a tablet, supsension, and rectal suppository, which can be beneficial for those who have trouble swallowing pills. On the other hand, Zyloprim is a xanthine oxidase inhibitor that lowers uric acid levels to treat gout, prevent kidney stones, and manage tumor lysis syndrome in cancer patients. Zyloprim is taken orally daily and can be split into smaller doses if needed. While Indocin can cause serious side effects like stomach bleeding and heart issues, Zyloprim may lead to severe skin reactions and liver problems. Both medications have generic forms available, making them more affordable options.

  • Indomethacin (Indocin) suppository
    Allopurinol (Zyloprim)
  • Indomethacin (Indocin) suppository
    Allopurinol (Zyloprim)

  • Summary of Indocin vs. Allopurinol

    Summary for NSAID
    Prescription only

    Indomethacin (Indocin) suppository is an NSAID that's used to treat different types of arthritis and conditions that cause pain in the shoulder. It helps lower inflammation and relieve pain. As a suppository, it's inserted into the rectum, typically 2 to 4 times a day depending on what condition the medication is being used to treat. Side effects might include headache and stomach upset. Unlike other NSAIDs, indomethacin (Indocin) suppository isn't available over-the-counter and requires a prescription from your healthcare provider.

    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.

  • Indications of Indocin vs. Allopurinol

    Indications for
    •Moderate-to-severe rheumatoid arthritis, including flare-ups
    •Moderate-to-severe ankylosing spondylitis
    •Moderate-to-severe osteoarthritis
    •Shoulder pain caused by bursitis or tendonitis
    •Gouty arthritis
    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

  • Pros and Cons of Indocin vs. Allopurinol

    Pros and Const for NSAID
    Pros
    •Good option for people who have trouble swallowing pills
    •Can treat many different types of arthritis
    •Available as a lower-cost generic
    Cons
    •Only available in one strength (50 mg), so you might need to use several suppositories if you're taking a high dose
    •Might need to take multiple times per day
    •Not available over-the-counter
    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

  • Common Side Effects of Indocin vs. Allopurinol

    Common Side Effects for

    Note: The side effects listed here are for indomethacin capsules. Side effects for the suppositories might differ.

    •Headache
    •Dizziness
    •Nausea
    •Stomach upset
    Common Side Effects for
    •Diarrhea
    •Nausea
    •High liver enzyme levels
    •Rash

  • Warnings of Indocin vs. Allopurinol

    Common Side Effects for
    •Stomach bleeding and ulcers
    •Heart attack and stroke
    •High blood pressure and heart failure
    •Liver problems
    •Kidney damage and high potassium levels
    •Severe allergic reactions
    •Severe asthma attack
    •Worsening of nervous system and mental health problems
    •Harm to unborn babies
    Common Side Effects for
    •Severe skin reaction
    •More gout attacks
    •Kidney stones and kidney injury
    •Liver damage
    •Low blood cell counts
    •Sleepiness and dizziness

  • Prices with our coupons for Indocin vs. Allopurinol

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    Learn more about Allopurinol

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