Compare Celebrex vs. Allopurinol

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

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Celebrex (Celecoxib)

Prescription only

Zyloprim (allopurinol)

Prescription only
Relieves pain and inflammation.

Celebrex (Celecoxib) works well for treating pain and causes less upset stomach than other NSAIDs.

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3.4/ 5 average rating with 550 reviewsforCelebrex
Lowers uric acid levels in blood, and prevents gout flare-ups.

Zyloprim (allopurinol) works well to prevent gout attacks and is cheaper than some alternatives, but it takes a few weeks to start working.

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3.7/ 5 average rating with 21 reviewsforAllopurinol
Upsides
  • Relieves pain and inflammation for many types of arthritis, including osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and juvenile rheumatoid arthritis.
  • Good for treating muscle aches and pains, as well as menstrual cramps.
  • Causes fewer stomach problems than other NSAIDs like Ibuprofen or Naproxen.
  • Lasts longer than Ibuprofen.
  • Zyloprim (allopurinol) works well to lower uric acid in the body.
  • It is available as a generic medication.
Downsides
  • The longer you take Celebrex (Celecoxib), the more likely you are to have stomach problems, including inflammation, ulcers, and bleeding. Can also happen if you take Celebrex (Celecoxib) on an empty stomach.
  • Like all NSAIDs, it can raise your risk of blood clots, heart attack, or a stroke.
  • Can also affect your kidneys or cause permanent kidney damage if taken for a long time.
  • Zyloprim (allopurinol) can raise the number of gout attacks in the first few weeks.
  • It can take 2 to 6 weeks to feel the full effects of Zyloprim (allopurinol).
  • Kidney stones can form while taking Zyloprim (allopurinol), so you need to drink a lot of fluids to help prevent this.
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Used for
Dosage forms
  • Pill
  • Pill
  • Injection
Price
Lowest price
$19.80
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Lowest price
$50.76
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Reviews
550 reviews so far
57%
saidit'sworth it
38%
saiditworked well
14%
saidit'sa big hassle

Have you used Celebrex (Celecoxib)?

Leave a review
21 reviews so far
71%
saidit'sworth it
52%
saiditworked well
5%
saidit'sa big hassle

Have you used Zyloprim (allopurinol)?

Leave a review
Side effects
The Celebrex (Celecoxib) FDA package insert doesn’t have numbers about how common side effects are.
The Zyloprim (allopurinol) FDA package insert doesn’t have numbers about how common side effects are.
Risks and risk factors
  • Heart attack and stroke
    • Long-term use
    • History of heart disease
    • History of heart bypass surgery (coronary artery bypass graft/CABG)
  • Stomach bleeding
    • Age 65 or older
    • History of GI bleed or peptic ulcer disease
  • Increased blood pressure
    • History of high blood pressure
    • Taking water pills (diuretics)
  • Increased swelling (edema) and fluid retention
    • History of heart failure
  • Skin reactions
  • Asthma attacks
    • History of asthma
  • Lowered kidney function
    • Kidney Disease
    • Heart Failure
    • Liver Disease
    • Also taking diuretics
    • Also taking ACE inhibitors
    • Also taking Angiotensin Receptor Blockers (ARBs)
    • Age 65 or older
  • Harm to unborn babies
    • Late pregnancy (more than 30 weeks)
See more detailed risks and warnings
  • More gout attacks
  • Kidney stones
    • History of kidney stones
  • Skin rash
  • Liver disease
  • Sleepiness or dizziness
    • Taking other medications that also cause sleepiness
    • Recreational drug use
    • Excessive alcohol use
    • Elderly
See more detailed risks and warnings
Learn more about Celebrex (Celecoxib)
Learn more about Zyloprim (allopurinol)