Gout refers to a debilitating condition in which uric acid crystals accumulate in the joint spaces, says MedlinePlus. It says that acute gout affects one joint while chronic gout affects more than one joint. Typical gout symptoms include sudden pain in the big toe, knee or ankle joints. A fever and a lump can develop around the joint.
Allopurinol
Allopurinol, commonly sold as Zyloprim, is a medication used to treat gout. Specifically, it is a xanthine oxidase inhibitor that works to reduce the production of uric acid.
Drugs.com says that allopurinol's common side effects include vomiting, diarrhea, nausea, joint pain and sweating. This drug can also lead to drowsiness. Notify a doctor when allopurinol's common effects remain for more than six to seven days.
Allopurinol's serious effects include seizures, weakness, easy bleeding or bruising, a skin rash and pain when urinating. Other serious effects include chills, weakness, fever, decreased urination and a sore throat. Call a physician when allopurinol leads to any of these effects.
A change in allopurinol's dose may be needed when suffering from diabetes, liver disease, congestive heart failure, high blood pressure or kidney disease.
Allopurinol is available as a tablet that should be taken daily or as a physician indicates.
Ibuprofen
Ibuprofen is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug that is also used to manage gout. MedlinePlus says that ibuprofen can also be used to manage the stiffness and pain of rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis.
Ibuprofen's common side side effects include dizziness, nervousness, gas, ringing in the ears or bloating. Call a doctor when ibuprofen's common side effects remain for more than six days.
Some of ibuprofen's serious side effects include back pain, a fast heartbeat, a stiff neck, a headache, difficulty urinating, a poor appetite and nausea. Other serious effects include bloody urine, trouble breathing or swallowing, itching and a fever. Get immediate help when ibuprofen leads to these effects.
A change in ibuprofen's dose is needed when taking lisinopril, ramipril, lithium or methotrexate.
Ibuprofen is available as a chewable tablet, regular tablet, liquid or drops. Take this medication as indicated.
Colchicine
Colchicine, sold under Colcrys, is another medication used to manage gout. Drugs.com says that colchicine reduces the swelling and pain associated with uric acid accumulation.
It says that colchicine's common side effects include diarrhea, stomach pain and nausea. Notify a physician when colchicine's common effects remain for more than six to seven days.
Colchicine's more serious side effects include muscle weakness or pain, body aches, chills, a fever, vomiting and diarrhea. Colchicine can also lead to easy bruising or bleeding, bloody urine and decreased urination. Contact a physician when colchicine leads to these effects.
An adjustment in colchicine's dose may be necessary when suffering with heart, liver or kidney disease, ulcerative colitis or a stomach disorder.
Colchicine is available as a tablet that should be taken daily or as directed.
