There are several prescription medications available to treat gout, including:
1. Colchicine
This medication helps reduce inflammation and pain during gout attacks. It is usually taken at the first sign of a gout attack, with a recommended dose of 1.2 mg followed by 0.6 mg one hour later. Common side effects include diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting.
2. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
NSAIDs such as ibuprofen, naproxen, and indomethacin can help reduce pain and inflammation during gout attacks. They are typically taken for a few days at a time, with a recommended dose of 800 mg ibuprofen every 8 hours or 500 mg naproxen twice daily. Side effects may include stomach upset, nausea, and increased risk of bleeding.
3. Corticosteroids
Corticosteroids such as prednisone can be used to reduce inflammation and pain during gout attacks. They are usually taken for a short period of time, with a recommended dose of 30-40 mg per day for several days. Side effects may include weight gain, increased appetite, and mood changes.
4. Urate-lowering therapy (ULT)
ULT medications such as allopurinol and febuxostat can help reduce uric acid levels in the blood and prevent gout attacks. They are typically taken daily for long-term use, with a recommended dose of 100-300 mg per day for allopurinol and 40-80 mg per day for febuxostat. Side effects may include skin rash, liver and kidney problems, and increased risk of gout attacks during the initial stages of treatment.
5. Probenecid
This medication helps increase uric acid excretion in the urine and prevent gout attacks. It is usually taken daily, with a recommended dose of 500 mg twice daily. Side effects may include stomach upset, headache, and kidney problems.
6. Pegloticase
This medication is an enzyme replacement therapy that helps break down uric acid in the blood and prevent gout attacks. It is given as an infusion every two weeks, with a recommended dose of 8 mg per infusion. Side effects may include allergic reactions, gout attacks, and infusion reactions such as shortness of breath and chest pain.
7. Krystexxa
Similar to pegloticase, Krystexxa is given as an infusion and works to lower uric acid levels. It is typically administered every two weeks with a recommended dose of 8mg per infusion. Side effects may include gout flare-ups, infusion reactions, and increased risk of infections.
8. Zurampic
This medication is typically prescribed alongside other urate-lowering therapies and works to increase the excretion of uric acid. It is taken orally once daily and the recommended dose is 200 mg. Common side effects may include headache, flu-like symptoms, and elevated levels of blood uric acid.
9. Duzallo
This medication is a combination of allopurinol and lesinurad that works to lower uric acid levels in the blood. It is taken orally once daily and the recommended dose is 200 mg allopurinol and 200 mg lesinurad. Side effects may include liver problems, kidney problems, and elevated levels of blood uric acid.
10. Adenuric
This medication is also known as febuxostat and works to lower uric acid levels in the blood. It is taken orally once daily and the recommended dose is 80 mg. Common side effects may include skin rash, stomach upset, and increased levels of liver enzymes.
Note: The dosage and side effects of these vary based on individuals. Seek advise from a licensed physician.