Gout is a type of arthritis that causes sudden, severe attacks of pain and swelling in a joint--most commonly the large toe. It is caused by the buildup of too much uric acid which can crystallize around a joint and lead to acute inflammation. Over-the-counter and prescription drugs are available to treat the painful symptoms of gout and to help prevent future attacks.
Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs)
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are used to treat painful attacks of gout. Lower doses may also be taken daily to prevent recurring attacks. They work by reducing inflammation caused by deposits of uric acid crystals, although they have no overall effect on the amount of uric acid in the body, according to eMedTV. Over-the-counter NSAIDs taken by mouth include ibuprofen and naproxen, while prescription-strength indomethacin is also available.
According to the Cleveland Clinic, when taken to treat an acute attack, NSAIDs usually reduce inflammation and bring about relief of pain within a few hours. Because NSAIDs can cause stomach bleeding and ulcers, they may not be suitable for everyone.
Corticosteroids
Like NSAIDs, corticosteroids are drugs that may reduce inflammation and pain. People who are unable to take NSAIDs may be given corticosteroids such as prednisone, either in oral (pill) form or as an injection into the affected joint. According to the Mayo Clinic, corticosteroids can reduce your immunity and ability to fight off infection. They may also cause a thinning of the bones. Consequently, these drugs are usually only given for a short period of time in the lowest dose possible that will control your symptoms.
Colchicine
Colchicine is a special type of pain reliever that is specifically indicated for the relief of pain caused by gout. According to the Mayo Clinic, colchicine is sometimes prescribed to people who are unable to tolerate NSAIDs. If taken promptly after the first signs of an attack, it may effectively prevent it or reduce its severity. Low doses of colchicine may also be prescribed to be taken regularly in between attacks to help reduce their frequency. While effective in relieving pain, colchicine can cause severe, sometimes intolerable, side effects such as nausea, vomiting and diarrhea, so it is not appropriate for everyone.
Probenecid
Probenecid is a drug that may help to prevent future attacks of gout by improving the removal uric acid from your body. According to the Mayo Clinic, probenecid improves the kidney's ability to rid the body of uric acid and flush it out through the urine. Consequently, the level of uric acid in the urine will increase among those taking probenecid.
According to the Cleveland Clinic, removing uric acid from the bloodstream helps to dissolve joint deposits of sodium urate; however, if uric acid level drops too quickly, it can lead to a sudden attack of gout. To help prevent this from happening, NSAIDs or colchicine may be temporarily prescribed along with probenecid.
Probenecid may also cause side effects such as a rash, kidney stones or stomach pain.
Xanthine Oxidase Inhibitors
Drugs known as xanthine oxidase inhibitors block the production of uric acid and may also help to prevent future attacks of gout. Allopurinol and febuxostat are two commonly prescribed xanthine oxidase inhibitors available by prescription. Like probenecid, these drugs may also bring on an attack of gout if uric acid levels fall too quickly. According to the Mayo Clinic, a short course of low-dose colchicines prior to taking xanthine oxidase inhibitors has been shown to reduce this risk.
