1. NSAIDS, specifically indomethacin, are commonly the first medication prescribed to treat acute gout. Other NSAIDS may be equally effective. NSAIDS are initially prescribed at maximum dosage and reduced as symptoms subside. The medication should be continued until pain and inflammation are non-existent for at least 48 hours. NSAIDS which are COX-2 inhibitors may be useful for patients with gastrointestinal concerns but their use for acute gout has not been specifically reported yet.
2. Colchicine is used to treat acute flares of gouty arthritis and to prevent recurrent acute attacks. Colchicine does not cure gout or take the place of other medicines that lower the amount of uric acid in the body. It prevents or relieves gout attacks by reducing inflammation. Colchicine may be used in 2 ways: some people take small amounts of it regularly for months or years, while others take large amounts of colchicine during a short period of time (several hours).
3. Corticosteroids or adrenocorticotropic hormone can be used for patients who cannot take NSAIDS or colchicine. Patients with acute gout typically receive daily doses of prednisone (20-40mg) or its equivalent for 3 to 4 days, then it is tapered gradually over one to two weeks. ACTH is administered as an intramuscular injection (an initial dose and subsequent doses over several days as needed).
4. Allopurinol (brand name - Zyloprim) is prescribed for chronic gout or gouty arthritis and works by affecting the system that manufactures uric acid in the body. It is used to prevent gout attacks, not to treat them once they occur.
2. Colchicine is used to treat acute flares of gouty arthritis and to prevent recurrent acute attacks. Colchicine does not cure gout or take the place of other medicines that lower the amount of uric acid in the body. It prevents or relieves gout attacks by reducing inflammation. Colchicine may be used in 2 ways: some people take small amounts of it regularly for months or years, while others take large amounts of colchicine during a short period of time (several hours).
3. Corticosteroids or adrenocorticotropic hormone can be used for patients who cannot take NSAIDS or colchicine. Patients with acute gout typically receive daily doses of prednisone (20-40mg) or its equivalent for 3 to 4 days, then it is tapered gradually over one to two weeks. ACTH is administered as an intramuscular injection (an initial dose and subsequent doses over several days as needed).
4. Allopurinol (brand name - Zyloprim) is prescribed for chronic gout or gouty arthritis and works by affecting the system that manufactures uric acid in the body. It is used to prevent gout attacks, not to treat them once they occur.
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