Medications That Cause Gout Attacks

Gout is a metabolic disease in which deposits of uric acid (crystals) develop in the joints, connective tissue or both. These uric acid deposits are typically caused by abnormalities in two physiological processes: the inability to properly process the protein, purine, or the inability to get rid of the excess uric acid. Gout attacks may also be triggered by taking certain drugs that have been prescribed for other conditions.

Diuretics

• Medications containing hydrochlorothiazide, furosemide and metolazone can cause gout attacks. These drugs are usually found in diuretics, or water pills, that are prescribed for hypertension and heart disease to help eliminate excess fluids in the body. A side effect of diuretics is a decrease in the amount of uric acid that is eliminated from the body through urine. A decrease in urination typically leaves more uric acid in the system, which may lead to gout.

Salicylate

• Salicylate, which is a main ingredient of aspirin and other analgesics, can also trigger an attack of gout. Even though these medications are often used in the treatment of gout pain, they can sometimes interfere with the kidney's ability to eliminate uric acid and thus may trigger more gout attacks. If these medications are used only occasionally, they likely will not present a problem, but if used daily, caution and a physician's guidance is usually recommended.

Cyclosporine

• Cyclosporine is a drug commonly prescribed to people who have had an organ transplant. The medication is often crucial for transplant success because it helps prevent the body from rejecting the new organ. It works by suppressing the body's immune system, which in turn may trigger an attack of gout. Most of the time, the use of cyclosporine drugs causes no gout-related side effects and is not considered a big risk.

Levodopa

• Levodopa, also known as Laradopa, has been shown to cause gout attacks in some people. The drug is used to treat Parkinson's and other degenerative diseases by enhancing the communication along neural pathways and nerves. At this time, no studies have been conducted to officially confirm that Levodopa may trigger gout.

Drug Combinations

• Recently, other drugs have begun to surface as possible triggers for gout attacks, although more research is needed for confirmation. These medications include Lotrel, Pyrazinamide, Ethacrynic Acid, Maxzide, Nadide and Dyazide, among many others. There is also new evidence to suggest that combinations of a wide assortment of drugs can trigger gout attacks, making careful consultation with a physician an important part of managing gout.