Gout is a type of arthritis in which uric acid crystals build up in the joint spaces. According to MedlinePlus, symptoms of gout include sudden pain in the big toe, ankle or knee joints. In fact, the pain can be throbbing or crushing in nature. Sometimes, lumps called tophi can form underneath the skin or around the joints. Left untreated, the excessive amounts of uric acid can lead to kidney stone formation.
Probenacid
Probenacid is a medication used to treat gout and gouty arthritis. Specifically, this medication helps the body eliminate uric acid from the body so that it can't accumulate in the joints. Probenacid is often given in conjunction with penicilllin antibiotics.
Probenacid's common side effects include nausea, vomiting, headache, dizziness, hair loss and frequent urination. Probenacid also causes sore gums, itching, a skin rash, hair loss and warmth, tingling or redness underneath the skin. Call a doctor when this medication's common effects remain for more than a week.
Probenacid's serious effects include worsening gout, bloody urine, pain in the lower back, confusion, weakness, yellowing of the skin and swelling of the ankles, feet, stomach or face. Inform a doctor at once when probenacid causes these effects.
Drugs.com says probenacid shouldn't be taken while suffering from uric acid kidney stones, a gout attack or a blood cell disorder such as anemia or white blood cells.
An alteration in probenacid's dose may be necessary if someone is suffering from kidney disease, stomach ulcers or kidney stones. Probenacid is available as a tablet that should be taken as indicated.
Febuxostat
Febuxostat belongs to the class of medicines called xanthine oxidase inhibitors. MedlinePlus says febuxostat works to decrease the amount of uric acid in the body. This medication is meant to prevent gout and not treat a gout attack.
Febuxostat's common effects include joint pain and nausea. Tell a physician when febuxostat's common effects persist for more than six to seven days. This medication's serious effects include chest pain, a rash, dizziness, shortness of breath, difficult speech and numbness of the arm or leg. Talk to a doctor when febuxostat causes these effects. She may lower the dosage to make it safer to take.
Taking febuxostat with mercaptopurine, theophylline or azathioprine with febuxostat may lead to serious drug interactions. Tell a doctor of any of the drugs taken before taking febuxostat. This drug is a tablet typically taken daily.
Allopurinol
Allopurinol is also a xanthine oxidase inhibitor that prevents the body from making uric acid. Specifically, allopurinol is a drug used to manage the high levels of uric acid that result from cancer medications.
MedlinePlus says allopurinol's side effects include diarrhea, drowsiness and stomach problems. Call a doctor when allopurinol causes these effects. This drug's serious side effects include bloody urine, unintentional weight loss, a sore throat, fever, eye irritation and a poor appetite.
Combining allopurinol with such drugs as warfarin, diuretics, ampicillin or mercaptopurine can lead to drug interactions. Allopurinol is available as a tablet that is taken two times a day after eating.
