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Compare Prednisone vs. Allopurinol

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

Key takeaways

Prednisone (Rayos, Prednisone Intensol) and allopurinol (Zyloprim) are both prescription medications, but they treat different conditions and belong to different drug classes. Prednisone is a corticosteroid used to manage an overactive immune system or inflammation, including autoimmune conditions and certain skin conditions. It works by calming the immune system. On the other hand, allopurinol is a xanthine oxidase inhibitor that lowers uric acid levels to treat gout, prevent kidney stones, and manage tumor lysis syndrome in cancer patients. Prednisone is available in various forms, including tablets and oral solutions, while allopurinol is only available as a tablet. Common side effects of prednisone include stomach irritation and mood changes, whereas allopurinol can cause diarrhea and nausea. Additionally, prednisone can lead to long-term issues like weight gain and weakened bones, while allopurinol may increase the risk of gout attacks when you first start taking it. Both medications require careful monitoring by your healthcare team to manage side effects and ensure they are working effectively.

  • Prednisone
    Allopurinol (Zyloprim)
  • Prednisone
    Allopurinol (Zyloprim)

  • Summary of Prednisone vs. Allopurinol

    Summary for Corticosteroid
    Prescription only

    Prednisone is an oral corticosteroid. It's taken by mouth by adults and children to treat health conditions related to an overactive immune system or inflammation, such as allergies and certain skin conditions. Your healthcare team will determine your dose based on what medical condition you have. Some of the common short-term side effects of prednisone include stomach irritation and mood changes. And if you take this medication for a month or longer, you're more likely to experience long-term side effects, like weight gain and weakened immune system.

    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 Prednisone vs. Allopurinol

    Indications for

    This medication is used for many different conditions. Generally, it's used for autoimmune problems, conditions related to swelling, or cancer. Some examples include:

    •Allergies or allergic reactions
    •Skin conditions
    •Conditions affecting certain hormones (e.g., low adrenal hormones)
    •Eye conditions
    •Lung conditions
    •Gut conditions (e.g., ulcerative colitis)
    •Conditions related to blood cells
    •Certain cancers (e.g., leukemia
    •Nervous system conditions (e.g., multiple sclerosis)
    •Joint conditions (e.g., rheumatoid arthritis)
    •Lupus
    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 Prednisone vs. Allopurinol

    Pros and Const for Corticosteroid
    Pros
    •Works well to treat many different conditions involving the immune system
    •Available as a liquid, which is a good option for people who have difficulty swallowing pills
    •Available as a lower-cost generic
    •Dose can be adjusted based on your response to the medication
    Cons
    •Can cause side effects like upset stomach, mood changes, and sleep problems
    •Need to taper your dose before stopping (if you took it for more than a couple of weeks)
    •Might raise your risk for infections, bone weakening, and skin problems if used long term
    •Can slow growth in children if they take it for a long period of time
    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 Prednisone vs. Allopurinol

    Common Side Effects for
    •Swelling (e.g., puffiness in the face, hands, or feet)
    •Stomach bloating
    •Muscle weakness
    •Headache
    •Insomnia (trouble sleeping)
    •Changes in your mood
    •Larger appetite (possibly leading to weight gain)
    •Higher blood sugar
    Common Side Effects for
    •Diarrhea
    •Nausea
    •High liver enzyme levels
    •Rash

  • Warnings of Prednisone vs. Allopurinol

    Common Side Effects for
    •Greater risk of infections
    •Mood and behavior changes
    •Reduced adrenal gland function
    •Changes in heart and kidney function
    •Stomach problems
    •Bone problems with long-term use
    •Eye problems with long-term use
    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 Prednisone vs. Allopurinol

    Learn more about Prednisone
    Learn more about Allopurinol

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