Gout is a form of arthritis that causes pain when excessive amounts of uric acid settle in the joints. Gout commonly affects joints in the big toes and the ankles. Symptoms of this condition include attacks of intense pain, fever, swelling and inflammation of the affected joint. Most often, the extreme pain begins in the middle of the night and lasts for 12 to 24 hours, but dull pain and edema can linger for days to weeks, according to MayoClinic.com. Medications for treating gout have two goals, including relieving pain and inflammation of the current attack and preventing another attack by lowering the amount of uric acid in the blood.
Pain Medication
Over-the-counter and prescription strength nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, or NSAIDs, can help treat the pain and swelling in the gouty joint. These medications will also reduce a fever. Some individuals require greater pain relief from the intense pain. A physician may prescribe narcotic medications, such as oxycodone, to help ease the pain.
Allopurinol
Allopurinol is a prescription medication used to fight gout and decrease the amount of uric acid production in the body. This medication works best when taken regularly to prevent further attacks of gout. Allopurinol may reduce the body's ability to fight infections. Side effects of allopurinol include gastrointestinal distress such as nausea and vomiting, according to Drugs.com.
Colchicine
Colchicine helps treat the symptoms associated with gout, but does not reduce the amount of uric acid in the body. Individuals take colchicines hourly until symptoms decrease. Common side effects of colchicine include abdominal pain and diarrhea, according to the Merck Manuals.
Corticosteroids
Physicians may prescribe corticosteroid medications, such as prednisone, to reduce the inflammation in the joint. The medication is available as an oral tablet or as an injection in the affected joint. Because of potential side effects, corticosteroids are for individual who cannot take colchicines or NSAIDs, according to MayoClinic.com. Potential side effects include a decreased ability to fight infections and to heal wounds as well as a thinning of skin and bones.
Febuxostat
Individuals with high levels of uric acid in the body may find relief from gout attacks when taking febuxostat. This mediation blocks an enzyme and lowers uric levels in the blood. The reduction of uric acid treats current attacks and prevents future flares. People who are just beginning to take this medicine may have a gout attack if the previous attack is still lingering. Side effects of febuxostat include dizziness, joint pain and nausea.
Probenecid
Probenecid helps the kidneys remove increased amounts of uric acid from the blood to secrete it in urine for removal from the body. The medication may cause side effects, such as a rash and stomach pain. An individual taking probenecid also has an increased risk of developing kidney stones due to the increase amount of uric acid in the urine, according to MayoClinic.com.
