What Is Gout?
9. Treatment
Medication is usually used to treat acute attacks of gout, prevent future attacks, and alleviate possible complications, especially the buildup of monosodium urate crystals around joints. Gout medications for acute attacks include high doses of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or NSAIDS (i.e. indomethacin) to relief pain and inflammation. Other medications include colchicine, which is currently rarely indicated. Corticosteroid drugs are prescribed for patients who cannot use NSAIDs or colchicine.
Long-term management of gout is very important. It is focuses on maintaining low uric acid levels (i.e. Allopurinol, Febuxostat, Probenecid). Importantly, treatment to control the underlying hyperuricemia is contraindicated until the acute attack is managed.
Advertisement
