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Pharmacy Lessons for Gout Treatment

Exciting new information regarding the link between gout and hyperuricemia, cardiovascular and renal disorders has resulted in new therapeutic options for patients with gout. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the release of febuxostat, a new drug which inhibits the production of uric acid in the blood. New pharmacy lessons regarding Vitamin C and the consumption of alcohol lead to further relief in the treatment of gout.

  1. History

    • The Mayo Clinic recommends drinking 8 to 16 cups of water per day and avoiding alcohol in its treatment for gout. The Mayo Clinic treatment for gout includes colchicine. Alcohol interferes with the removal of uric acid from the body and elevates high blood pressure and high blood triglycerides. Those with gout, high blood pressure and high triglycerides need to limit alcohol consumption.

    New Pharmaceuticals

    • The FDA granted approval of Uloric (febuxostat), which lowers serum uric acid for gout patients. For the first time in 40 years, the approval represents a new treatment option for health care providers in the U.S. whose patients have hyperuricemia with gout. Febuxostat inhibits xanthine oxidase, an enzyme involved in uric acid production, and has an entirely different chemical structure than developed 40 years ago. Febuxostat is safe for patients with liver and kidney problems. Febuxostat is not to be used for hyperuricemia and no symptoms of gout.

      The Mayo Clinic lists allopurinol (Zyloprim, Aloprim) and febuxostat (Uloric), as xanthine oxidase inhibitors that limit the amount of uric acid your body produces and reduce gout symptoms. Side effects of these drugs are rash, low blood count, nausea and altered liver function. Taking colchicine before taking the inhibitor reduces the risk of reactivating unresolved gout symptoms.

    Serum Urate

    • The Mayo Clinic lists probenecid (Probalan), which inhibits reabsorption of urate in the kidneys and increases the excretion of uric acid into the urine. Increased uric acid in the urine may increase kidney stones. Probenecid decreases serum urate levels and reduces gout symptoms. Side effects of probalan are rash, stomach pain or kidney stones.

    Vitamin C

    • National Institutes of Health funded research on vitamin C (p.4) and gout, because earlier studies determined that vitamin C reduces serum uric acid levels. NIH reported that men who took 1,500 milligrams of Vitamin C per day had 45% lower risk of developing gout than men who took 250 milligrams of vitamin C per day.

    Alcohol

    • Rethinking drinking helps you calculate the effects of drinking alcohol on gout, triglycerides and blood pressure. Interactive tools on the rethinking drinking website help you calculate the effects of specific alcohol content on your health.

    Old Men

    • The University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine has been awarded an unprecedented $45 million grant from NIH to study of old men to improve afflictions of old age. They will study testosterone levels, impaired walking, low vitality and cognitive dysfunction. The study includes new pharmacological advances in the treatment of gout.

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