Gout.com notes uric acid acts as an antioxidant in our bodies. However, when the body produces excess uric acid or the kidneys don't excrete enough out, the blood levels becomes unbalanced. Gout.com estimates that 80 percent of gout cases are produced by kidney under-secretion, and 10 percent are caused by over production. Either way you experience an increased amount of uric acid in the blood, you normally require gout preventive drugs.
Uricosurics
Uricosurics increase the amount of uric acid excreted by the kidneys thereby decreasing the amount of uric acid in the blood. They are normally used with patients who show no sign of kidney disease, are under 60 years of age and on regular diets. The University of Maryland Medical Center (UMMC) list uricosuric drugs, probenecid and Anturane as FDA-approved for gout treatment. NSAIDS or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, or salicylates such as aspirin, may reduce the uricosuric drugs' effectiveness.
Allopurinol
Allopurinol is the drug most used for those patients who over-produce uric acid, explains the UMMC. Allopurinol may bring on further attacks of gout so may be given with NSAIDS to help prevent this side effect. Allopurinol may also help decrease bad cholesterol levels so may be used in patients with gout and coronary artery disease. Side effects listed are diarrhea, fever, rash, headache and a decrease in white blood cells.
Febuxostat
Febuxostat, approved by the Food and Drug Administration in April 2009, has the ability to quickly lower uric acid in the blood. As of 2010, this urate-lowering medication is one of the first drugs in 40 years to address the rising occurrence of chronic gout. Marketed under the brand name Uloric, Rxlist.com includes common side effects as muscle pain, dry mouth, blurred vision, GI upset, aching joints or swelling and dizziness.
