Gout refers to a painful medical condition in which uric acid crystals build up in the joint spaces. MedlinePlus indicates that some gout symptoms include pain in the big toe, ankles or knee. Typically, this condition presents in people suffering with diabetes, obesity, kidney disease, sickle cell anemia or leukemia. Medications used for gout exist to decrease gout symptoms.
Colchicine
Colchicine, commonly sold as Colcrys, is a medication specifically used to decrease the pain and swelling of gout. Colchicine specifically treats and prevents gout, according to Drugs.com. Some of the medication's less concerning side effects include diarrhea, stomach pain and nausea. Some of colchicine's serious side effects include bloody urine, muscle pain, numbness or tingling of the fingers and toes, diarrhea, vomiting and decreased urination. Call a physician when colchicine leads to these effects. Suffering from Crohn's disease; liver, heart or kidney disease; ulcerative colitis and stomach ulcers may require a decrease in colchicine's dose. Colchicine is a tablet taken daily or as prescribed.
Allopurinol
Allopurinol, commonly sold as Alloprim or Zyloprim, refers to a xanthine oxidase inhibitor that reduces the amount of uric acid made in the body. Allopurinol's less concerning effects include diarrhea, drowsiness and stomach problems, according to MedlinePlus. Other serious side effects include itching, unexpected weight loss, bloody urine, a skin rash, chills and a fever. Phone a doctor if allopurinol leads to these effects. Taking cyclosporine, azathioprine, mercaptopurine or chlorpropamide may require a decrease in allopurinol's dose. This drug is a tablet taken once or twice daily.
Probenecid
Probenecid, commonly sold as Col-probenecid, is a medication specifically used to treat gouty arthritis and chronic gout. Probenecid actually works to eliminate uric acid from the body, according to MedlinePlus. Its less concerning side effects include a poor appetite, a headache, vomiting and dizziness. Some of its serious side effects include trouble breathing or swallowing, easy bleeding or bruising and a severe skin rash. Notify a doctor if probenecid leads to these effects. Taking salsalate, nitrofurantoin, heparin and indomethacin may require a decrease in probenecid's dose. Probenecid is a tablet taken twice daily.
