- 1. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
- 2. Colchicine
- 3. Corticoids
- 4. Blockers of uric acid production
- 5. Remedies that increase the elimination of uric acid
To treat gout, the doctor may recommend the use of anti-inflammatory drugs, pain relievers and corticosteroids, which are used in acute cases. In addition, some of these medications can also be used, in lower doses, to prevent attacks.
There are also other remedies that help prevent complications caused by the disease, which work by reducing the production of uric acid or promoting its elimination.
Thus, the treatment of gout must be individualized according to the severity, duration of the crisis, affected joints, contraindications and previous experience that the person had with the treatment.
1. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen, naproxen, indomethacin or celecoxib are widely used to relieve symptoms of acute gout attacks, at higher doses, and to prevent future attacks at lower doses.
However, these drugs can cause side effects at the gastric level, such as stomach pain, bleeding and ulcers, especially in people who take these drugs daily. To reduce these effects, the ideal is to take these medications after meals and the doctor may also suggest taking a stomach protector, every day, on an empty stomach, to relieve discomfort.
2. Colchicine
Colchicine is a remedy widely used to treat and prevent gout attacks, since it decreases the deposition of urate crystals and the consequent inflammatory response, thus reducing pain. This medicine can be used daily to prevent attacks, and the dose can be increased during an acute attack. Learn more about this medicine.
The most common side effects that can occur with the use of colchicine are digestive disorders such as diarrhea, nausea and vomiting.
3. Corticoids
The doctor may recommend corticosteroids such as prednisolone in tablets or injectables, to reduce pain and inflammation, which are most used in situations where people cannot take other anti-inflammatory drugs such as indomethacin or celecoxib, for example, or they cannot use colchicine.
The most common side effects that can be caused by the use of prednisolone are changes in mood, increased blood sugar levels and increased blood pressure. Know that other side effects can be caused by corticosteroids.
4. Blockers of uric acid production
The most used medicine to block the production of uric acid is allopurinol (Zyloric), which inhibits xanthine oxidase, which is an enzyme that converts xanthine into uric acid, decreasing its levels in the blood, reducing the risk of the appearance of crises. See more about this medicine.
The most common side effects that can be caused by allopurinol are skin rashes.
5. Remedies that increase the elimination of uric acid
A drug that can be used to eliminate excess uric acid in the urine is probenecid, which leads to a decrease in the bloodstream. Learn more about this medicine.
The most common side effects that can occur with the use of these medications are rash, stomach pain and kidney stones.
In addition, other drugs, such as losartan, calcium channel antagonists, fenofibrate and statins, also contribute to the reduction of uric acid, so, whenever justified, they should be considered, taking into account their benefit in gout.
