Medical Treatment for Gout

Gout is a type of arthritis that occurs when uric acid builds up in joints. Men develop the disorder more than women. Acute gout typically occurs suddenly with intense pain in one joint and chronic gout involves more than one joint and pain occurs in repeated episodes. A variety of medications can help control gout attacks.

Medications

• Medical treatment includes over-the-counter medications and prescription drugs. Over-the-counter medications such as Tylenol may be recommended for pain. NSAIDS, or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as naproxen decrease inflammation in the affected joints. Corticosteroids such as prednisone may be given in oral form or injected into the joint and normally bring quick pain relief by reducing inflammation at a faster rate than NSAIDS.

Considerations

• You may be able to prevent or lessen the frequency of gout attacks by lowering levels of uric acid in your bloodstream. Medications such as Benemid reduce uric acid in the blood by increasing the excretion of the substance in your urine. The drug should be taken with plenty of fluids to help flush the uric acid out of the body. People with a history of kidney stones should not use Benemid as there is a tendency for stones to form with the medication.

Prevention Of Uric Acid

• Zyloprim blocks uric acid production and may lower your risk of gout. Probenecid helps kidneys remove uric acid from the body. Side effects may include a rash and kidney stones. Diet changes may also lower your risk of gout, so avoid alcohol, eat less red meat and seafood, and eat more low-fat dairy products and whole-grain foods. Losing weight may also help lower uric acid levels, but do so gradually as a rapid weight loss may increase acid levels.