Gout is a condition that causes urate crystals to accumulate in joints in the body. The build up of urate crystals can cause significant pain, swelling and inflammation. Gout medications focus on preventing attacks and relieving the symptoms, reports MayoClinic.com. Anti-inflammatories are medications that reduce the swelling and inflammation in the joints, and therefore help relieve the pain associated with gout.
Ibuprofen
Ibuprofen is a type of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug, or NSAID, that is used to treat gout. The drug helps reduce the hormones that cause inflammation in joints damaged by gout. This reduction in inflammation drastically lessens the pain associated with the disease. Ibuprofen can increase the risk of cardiovascular and gastrointestinal disease. Therefore, patients should only take the recommended dose of ibuprofen. The maximum recommended dose for adults is 800mg four times a day.
Naproxen
Naproxen, or naproxen sodium, is an NSAID that has proven beneficial in reducing the pain of gouty attacks. Naproxen prevents the release and formation of chemicals within the body that cause severe inflammation and pain, reports Drugs.com. The drug is also useful in treating arthritis, tendinitis and menstrual cramps. Naproxen has been associated with life-threatening circulation disorders. If patients develop chest pain, difficulty breathing or sudden fatigue, then medical attention may be required. Naproxen is a little stronger than ibuprofen, and the maximum recommended dose is 500mg twice per day.
Prednisone
Prednisone is a corticosteroid that has been used to reduce inflammation in patients with gout. Prednisone is a very powerful drug that prevents the release of substances that lead to inflammation. Corticosteroids are usually given to patients who are unable to take NSAIDS. This is because drugs such as prednisone have dangerous side effects, such as increased risk of infection and immune deficiency. Prednisone can be taken orally, with the dosage starting at 0.5 mg per day, according to American Family Physician.
Triamcinolone
Triamcinolone is a corticosteroid that prevents the production of substances such as histamine and prostaglandins, according to Drugs.com. These substances are responsible for causing inflammation in tissues damaged by gout. Since triamcinolone prevents the proper production of these pro-inflammatory substances, it helps reduce inflammation and improve the patient's mobility. As a corticosteroid, triamcinolone can cause many side effects including immune deficiency and bone thinning. Furthermore, since this drug is administered via a shot into the large muscles of the shoulder or thigh, it can cause atrophy in those muscles. Triamcinolone should be given as 60mg shot once per day. Repeat injections may be needed, but only one shot per day should be administered.
