Gout Medications

Gout can be defined as a type of arthritis wherein uric acid and its salts are deposited in certain joints due to which there is inflammation of the great toe and feet.

As a result of this condition people can suffer from problems like arthritis and disabilities of bones. Gout symptoms are seen when there is swelling in bone joints and restriction in movement due to the pain caused by this swelling. The pain in such a condition is unbearable but it can be treated. There are two types of gout with respect to their severity viz. acute; which is a less serious state and commonly affect one single joint. Chronic gout is when the uric acid deposition causes complications like arthritis thus affecting multiple joints. Let's take a look at how treatment differs for both forms of gout.

Acute Gout Medications
Acute gout is the primary stage of uric acid deposition and it can be treated easily as it is not that serious. Here are some of the widely used gout medications for acute gout.

Corticosteroids
Corticosteroids are one of the best gout medications. Steroids like triamcinolone, prednisone and prednisolone are injected directly into the joints to relieve pain as these are mainly painkillers. However, because of the many side effects of steroids, they are always a second choice while treating acute gout.

Colchicine
Colchicine is also one of the painkillers used to reduce the joint pains. It is one of the oldest gout medications to be used, but only for those people who can tolerate its side effects.

Non-steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs)
They are the most preferred and effective treatment considered for acute gout. Some of them like oxaprozin (Daypro), ibuprofen (Motrin), indomethacin (Indocin), etc. are the most widely used NSAIDs. These drugs are called anti-inflammatory because they block prostaglandins which dilate blood vessels and cause inflammation. They can be consumed by the patient three to four times a day.

Chronic Gout Medications
This is a much severe stage of gout as it can lead to further complications like arthritis. These drugs can reduce the uric acid levels and also prevent acute gout attacks.

Uricosuric Agents
Drugs like probenecid or sulfinpyrazone help the kidneys release extra uric acid formed by the body. Patients who cannot excrete enough uric acid from their body need such agents to get rid of it.

Xanthine Oxidase Inhibitors
Allopurinol reduces the amount of uric acid produced by the body and is taken by patients who produce excessive amounts of uric acid.

Gout Medication Over the Counter
Some over the counter drugs advised by physicians are listed below:

• NSAIDs like Percocet, Arthrotec and Celebrex, ibuprofen and Naproxen.
• Analgesics such as TENS pain relief machines.
• Losartans such as Hyzzar and Cozzar, used for low uric acid levels.
• Probenecid, also called Probalan or Benemid is used to eliminate uric acid.
• Vitamins like Vitamin C (500 mg) and supplements like bromelain are also used to reduce uric acid levels and act as anti-inflammatory drugs to relieve from pain.

Gout Medication Side Effects
Along with their healing abilities, these drugs have their own side effects which are mentioned below:

• When oral steroids such as prednisone, more than 10 mg, is mixed with corticosteroids there are chances of gastrointestinal bleeding.
• NSAIDs can cause repetitive ulcers if a patient already suffers from them.
• Alcohol with NSAIDs can cause ulcers, liver toxicity and gastrointestinal bleeding.
• Some anti-coagulants such as coumadin or some mixed with NSAIDs leads to stomach bleeding as well.
• Other side effects of gout medication are nausea, diarrhea, breathing difficulty, swelling tongue, lips and face, muscle cramps, indigestion.
• Headache, rapid weight loss due to low appetite, yellowing skin and eyes, decreased hearing and ringing in the ears, tingling sensation, numbness and dizziness is also very common.
• Blood in urine and vomit, dark and bloody stools are some of the very serious side effects seen in gout medication.
• Injection of corticosteroids can lead to weak cartilages and deteriorating joints.
• Colchicine side effects include purpura (discoloration due to bleeding under the skin), myopathy (dis-function of various muscles), azoospermia (absence of sperm), aplastic anemia, thrombocytopenia (reduction in platelet production).

Gout medication is easily available and also effective, so don't hesitate to use these but before you do, consult your doctor and then use, only prescribed over the counter drugs.