Gout Treatment
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"Get Out the Gout"
The goals of treatment for gout consist of alleviating pain, avoiding severe attacks in
the future, and preventing long-term joint damage. In addition to taking pain medications
as prescribed by their doctors, people having gout attacks are encouraged to rest and to
increase the amount of fluids that they drink.
Gout Treatment - Acute attacks
Acute attacks of gout can be treated with nonaspirin, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory
drugs (NSAIDs) such as naproxen sodium (Aleve), ibuprofen (Advil), or indomethacin
(Indocin). In some cases, these drugs can aggravate a peptic ulcer or existing kidney
disease and cannot be used. Doctors sometimes also use colchicine (Colbenemid), especially
in cases where nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs cannot be used. Colchicine may cause
diarrhea, which tends to go away once the patient stops taking it. Corticosteroids such as
prednisone (Deltasone) and adrenocorticotropic hormone (Acthar) may be given orally or may
be injected directly into the joint for a more concentrated effect. While all of these
drugs have the potential to cause side effects, they are used for only about 48 hours and
are not likely to cause major problems. However, aspirin and closely related drugs
(salicylates) should be avoided because they can ultimately worsen gout.
Gout Treatments - Drugs
Once an acute attack has been successfully treated, doctors try to prevent future
attacks of gout and long-term joint damage by lowering uric acid
levels in the blood. There are two types of drugs for correcting hyperuricemia. Uricosuric drugs, such as probenecid (Benemid)
and sulfinpyrazone (Anturane), lower the levels of urate in the blood by increasing its
removal from the body (excretion) through the urine. These drugs may promote the formation
of kidney stones, and they may not work for all patients, especially those with kidney
disease. Allopurinol (Zyloprim), a type of drug called a xanthine-oxidase inhibitor,
blocks the production of urate in the body, and can dissolve kidney stones as well as
treating gout. The potential side effects of allopurinol include rash, a skin condition
known as dermatitis, and liver dysfunction. Once people begin taking these medications,
they must take them for life or the gout will continue to return. |
