Medications and Remedies for Gout

There are several effective treatments for gout that have different actions.  Some are used to treat the painful symptoms of gout and serve to prevent subsequent attacks.  Others reduce the likelihood of complications as a result of the uric acid crystals formed under the skin.

The following lists a few of the medications that your doctor will prescribe if you have gout.  As always, treatments will vary based upon your own individual situation:

Standard Treatments

1. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS). – A common prescription from your doctor for gout is a high dose of NSAID (Indocin for example) initially to reduce the severe inflammation; the dose is then lowered until one can purchase over-the-counter NSAIDS to curtail subsequent attacks.  There are some risks involved in taking NSAIDS such as possible bleeding in the stomach and pain.
2. Corticosteroids. Prednisone, which is a corticosteroid medication, is prescribed to treat pain and inflammation.  It is typically injected right into the affected joint but can also be taken orally.  This medication can be used in combination with NSAIDS but is usually indicated if an individual cannot tolerate the stomach issues associated with NSAIDS.  The risks associated with corticosteroids may include weight gain or “puffiness” and thinning bones, therefore you will be given the lowest effective dose to mitigate these risks.
3. Colchicine – This pain reliever is very effective against the pain of gout if you have a sensitive stomach and cannot take NSAIDS.  This medication works better if the condition is diagnosed early, however it does come with some unpleasant side effects such as upset stomach and diarrhea.
4. Allopurinol and Febuxostat – These two medications are called xanthine oxidase inhibitors and they are used to inhibit the body’s production of uric acid. The lower amount of uric acid could likely result in a lower risk for gout, however there are some side effects associated with these drugs.  These include reduced liver function, skin rash, nausea and possible lower blood counts. There is also a risk of a sudden acute attack if they are taken before the current attack is completely resolved.  This can be mitigated if a low-dose of colchicine is administered in the interim.
5. Probenecid or Probalan facilitates your body’s ability to eliminate the uric acid from your body by way of the kidneys.  This will result in a reduced amount in your body and therefore a lower risk of developing gout.  Probenecid’s side effects include kidney stones, pains in the midsection and a possible skin rash.

Home Remedies

1. 1. Water, water, water – As is the case for many conditions, there is no substitute for consumption of water for the prevention of toxin buildup in the system.  For gout, this is especially true during the attack in particular.  The ADA (American Dietetic Assoc.) recommends two to four liters of water every day, and if you cannot drink only water, it is recommended that half can be other fluids.
2. 2. Limit Alcohol – It is best to limit alcohol consumption if you are prone to gout.  In a study of approximately 50,000 men over the course of twelve years, it was reported that those men who drank alcohol regularly and in the largest quantities had the highest incidence of gout (Choi, et al, April 2004).
3. 3. Protein Consumption – Protein from eggs, peanut and almond butter and tofu is preferable to poultry, fish and meat.  Four to six ounces a day is recommended.