Gout medications

When choosing medications for gout, the doctor always takes into account that their action should be complex and comprehensive. Such medications must meet the minimum requirements:

• to alleviate the patient's condition and relieve pain in a short period of time;
• prevent the development of new attacks;
• prevent the development of complications.

If the doctor has correctly identified the causes of the disease, then it will be much easier to choose medications for gout. Taking into account all aspects, a comprehensive and well-founded treatment plan will be drawn up.

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Indications gout medications

As we have already said, combined multi-faceted therapy is used for gout.

If the doctor suggests a short course of treatment to relieve the painful symptoms of gout, the action of the drugs should be aimed at eliminating pain and inflammation during an attack. In such a situation, non-steroidal drugs (except acetylsalicylic acid) are usually prescribed.

Intra-articular injection of corticosteroid hormonal drugs may be recommended: such treatment is prescribed strictly individually, if there are indications.

Intramuscular injections are often prescribed if administration of the drug by other means is impossible or difficult (in case of diseases of the digestive system, internal bleeding, diarrhea, vomiting, etc.).

For long-term treatment, agents that act more broadly are used: for example, they reduce the amount of uric acid in the circulatory system, facilitating its removal from the body through the urinary system. Such drugs can also be used to prevent gout relapses.

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Release form

Injections for gout are often prescribed during an exacerbation, since the injection form helps to get rid of pain faster, because the medicine immediately enters the bloodstream. In particularly severe cases, with pronounced pain syndrome, the injection of the drug can be administered directly into the joint - that is, into the inflammation site.

Tinctures for gout are also a popular remedy. However, before taking the tincture internally, it should be borne in mind that alcohol-based products, as well as alcoholic beverages, are extremely undesirable for gout. It is better to use the tincture externally: for rubbing or compresses.

Decoctions for gout can be taken internally or used for baths. By the way, baths are great for relieving pain and soothing inflamed joints. The water for the procedure should be warm and comfortable for the patient.

Homeopathy for gout usually involves the use of herbal solutions in a special dilution, which are taken in the form of drops or sublingual tablets. Such drugs are taken for a long time, 1-1.5 months, often before meals. Homeopathic remedies act cumulatively, gradually stimulating the body's own forces to fight the disease.

Antibiotics for gout are prescribed to eliminate the inflammatory process. They can be used in the general therapeutic scheme, both in the form of tablets and injections (intramuscular or intra-articular).

The form of release of the drug is selected, as a rule, taking into account its effectiveness in each specific case. At the same time, the individual characteristics of the patient and ease of use are taken into account.

Names of Gout Medicines

Drugs that inhibit the formation of uric acid or affect its metabolism:

1. Allopurinol - this drug affects the initial cause of gout, normalizing the level of uric acid in the bloodstream and tissues of the body. Inflammation is not eliminated, but regular attacks and exacerbations of the disease stop. The drug is taken in an amount of 100 to 300 mg per day according to an individual scheme. Usually, treatment lasts at least 2-3 weeks;
2. Colchicine is a herbal preparation based on the extract of colchicum. The drug alleviates the pain syndrome, especially if taken on the first day of the acute period. In this case, it is taken every 60 minutes at 0.5 mg. No more than 1 mg of Colchicine is allowed at a time;
3. Fulflex is a natural multi-component drug that is available in the form of capsules or external ointment. It is successfully used to eliminate inflammation and pain, as well as to reduce cholesterol and uric acid levels. Fulflex is considered one of the safest drugs for gout, as it contains only natural ingredients. The drug is taken in the amount of 1 capsule per day, for at least a month. Fulflex ointment is rubbed in the morning and at night;
4. Blemaren is a urinary sediment dissolving agent that simultaneously increases the pH level of the urine. Blemaren is prescribed in the amount of 2-5 tablets per day, dissolved in a cup of water or other drink. The daily dose should be taken in three doses, at equal time intervals;
5. Veroshpiron is a drug that belongs to diuretics - diuretic drugs from the spironolactone series. The drug takes part in the inactivation of the inflammatory process, removal of edema and removal of excess uric acid from the circulatory system. The average daily dosage of the drug is 100-200 mg 1-2 times a day. In childhood, the drug is used from 5 years of age;
6. Cystone is a medicine for gout that can dissolve urinary deposits. The basis of the drug is plant-based. Cystone can be taken three times a day, 1-2 tablets. Treatment is usually long-term, for several months in a row. In pediatrics, the drug is used from the age of 12.

Pain relievers for gout:

1. Ketorol is a fairly strong painkiller that can be prescribed in the form of tablets or injections. The dosage of the drug is selected individually, but you should know that taking this medicine for more than 4 days in a row is undesirable;
2. Dimexide is a painkiller based on dimethyl sulfoxide. The active component penetrates tissues well when applied externally, providing an anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and antiseptic effect. Dimexide is used mainly for compresses (once a day - for about half an hour). The dilution of the solution for preparing a compress is from 30 to 50%. Sometimes irritation and burning may occur at the site of application of the drug.

Anti-inflammatory drugs for gout:

1. Movalis is a non-steroidal drug of the meloxicam group. The use of the drug helps to alleviate acute symptoms of a gout attack. Movalis is prescribed as intramuscular injections of 15 mg daily for 2-3 days. The decision on further use of the drug is made by the doctor. Long-term treatment with the drug is undesirable;
2. Ibuprofen is a well-known non-steroidal drug that simultaneously has anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects. The drug is taken 4 times a day, 800 mg, if possible - after meals;
3. Voltaren is a drug used to relieve pain attacks in gout. At the very beginning of treatment, Voltaren is taken in the amount of 200 mg, then the dose is reduced to 150 mg per day. At the same time, an external agent is used to rub the joints;
4. Meloxicam is a well-known anti-inflammatory and antirheumatic drug used for short-term treatment of acute manifestations of gout. The drug can be prescribed to patients from 18 years of age, in a dosage of 15 mg once a day, in the form of intramuscular injections;
5. Diclofenac is a common anti-inflammatory drug that is prescribed in doses up to 200 mg daily. Diclofenac should not be used for a long time, especially in diseases of the digestive tract: colitis, enteritis, gastritis, stomach ulcers. Diclofenac can be prescribed in the form of injections, tablets, external preparations;
6. Indomethacin is a non-steroidal ointment with a pronounced anti-inflammatory, analgesic and anti-edematous effect. It penetrates deep into the tissues at the site of application. The ointment is usually applied up to 3 times a day, rubbing in lightly. The therapeutic course should not exceed 10 days in a row. In some cases, simultaneous use of Indomethacin tablets may be recommended;
7. Nise is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory tablet with the active ingredient nimesulide. The drug relieves pain, normalizes temperature and reduces swelling. Nise is prescribed for oral administration, 1 tablet in the morning and evening. Do not take tablets if you have inflammatory processes in the digestive system;
8. Prednisolone is a glucocorticosteroid, tablets for internal use. They have a pronounced anti-inflammatory effect, blocking the development of inflammatory signs. The average dosage of Prednisolone is up to 60 mg per day. During an exacerbation, the amount of the drug can be increased at the discretion of the doctor;
9. Aertal is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory ointment based on aceclofenac. The drug will help eliminate swelling, redness in the joint, regardless of the etiology of the inflammatory process. The ointment is used three times a day on the area of the affected joints, it can be under a light bandage;
10. Nimesil is a product containing nimesulide, made in the form of granulated powder for the preparation of an oral solution. The product is diluted with water, 1 sachet twice a day. Treatment can last 1-2 weeks. Nimesil gently relieves signs of inflammation in gout, including pain, swelling, redness of the joints;
11. Dexamethasone is a hormonal agent of the glucocorticosteroid group. Dexamethasone tablets act against inflammation, allergies, and fluid accumulation in tissues. The average daily dose of the drug is 2-3 mg, divided into three doses. In severe cases, intra-articular administration of Dexamethasone solution is possible;
12. Acetylsalicylic acid is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug, but its use in gout is controversial. Some believe that the drug can relieve inflammation along with other similar medications. Some experts are confident that taking aspirin can increase the level of uric acid in the bloodstream. Since there is no clear opinion about the benefits of aspirin for gout, it is not used so often in the treatment regimen, replacing it with other proven drugs.

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Folk and other medicines for gout

1. Iodine is a well-known alcohol solution that is sometimes used as a medicine for gout. Iodine is applied in the form of a mesh to the sore joints, preferably at night. After application, it is advisable to wrap the joints with a scarf or shawl. Patients with thyroid disease use this type of treatment with caution;
2. Activated carbon is a common adsorbent that is usually used internally for intoxication. Traditional medicine suggests using this remedy externally: a handful of tablets is crushed, mixed with water to the consistency of thick sour cream and applied to the affected joints before bed. The area of application should be wrapped in polyethylene and a scarf. It is assumed that relief should come the next morning;
3. Propolis is a folk remedy for a lot of diseases, and gout is no exception. The following recipe is used as a medicine for gout: heat 100 g of propolis and the same amount of sunflower oil in a water bath until a homogeneous mass is obtained. The resulting paste is used to rub joints;
4. Mumiyo is a natural herbal preparation that can help relieve pain and discomfort during gout attacks. Mumiyo is mixed with honey (100 g of honey per 5 g of mumiyo), heated to +38-40°C and used as an ointment on sore spots;
5. Vitaphone is a small device for home use that works with sound microvibrations. Thanks to these vibrations, a kind of massage is performed at the cellular level. As a result, pain is reduced, lymphatic drainage is improved, local blood circulation and tissue trophism are activated. Despite its relative safety, it is not recommended to use the device without consulting a doctor;
6. Vitamin E is considered a must-have vitamin for patients with gout. Some scientists even believe that the cause of the disease is a lack of tocopherol in the body. For this reason, vitamin E is often prescribed simultaneously with ascorbic and folic acid, which significantly accelerates tissue regeneration and promotes faster restoration of joints. Vitamins are taken daily, without interruption. The dosage is determined by the doctor based on the test results.

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Pharmacodynamics

The main pharmacological action of drugs for gout is to reduce the content of uric acid substances in the body and eliminate the inflammatory reaction.

If an attack of gout is caused by an infectious process, antibiotics are necessarily used for treatment. They will not only slow down the development of the inflammatory process, but also relieve pain, and transfer the disease to the subacute phase.

Other medications can only complement the main treatment. Their action is directed:

1. for the final elimination of pain;
2. to relieve swelling and redness of joints;
3. to normalize temperature;
4. to relieve inflammation;
5. to remove toxic substances from the body that have accumulated during the period of intoxication;
6. for the resorption of inflammatory plaques.

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Pharmacokinetics

In order for a gout medicine to be maximally effective, it is necessary for it to release its active substances to all tissues and organs in the body. Only in this case can we expect that the drug will penetrate, including into the inflamed tissues.
Of course, injections have the greatest degree of penetration: getting directly into the bloodstream, the active substance is distributed throughout the body with the blood, affecting the affected joints and organs.

When taking gout medication orally, it is gradually absorbed in the stomach, duodenum and upper small intestine, and only then enters the blood and, accordingly, the inflamed tissues.

When using ointments, tinctures and compresses externally, the effect of the medicine is limited to the place of their application. Therefore, with gout, all affected joints should be rubbed, and not just those in which the pain is felt more strongly.

The elimination of gout medications from the body is usually carried out by the kidneys. For this reason, in patients suffering from renal failure, the elimination of metabolites may be delayed.

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Dosing and administration

The dosage of gout medications is prescribed based on the serum uric acid levels. Sometimes treatment begins with small doses, gradually increasing the amount of the drug, taking into account the patient's tolerance.

If the expected effect does not appear within a week, the drug is replaced with another one that is more suitable in this case.

When prescribing medications for gout, it is important to pay attention to creatinine clearance, as well as the general condition of the kidneys and liver.

When treating elderly patients, the lowest possible dosages of medications are used at first.

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Use gout medications during pregnancy

Taking medications for gout during pregnancy is highly undesirable, so during this period doctors try to ensure the onset of remission by the patient following a diet and using external agents.

Thus, during pregnancy it is permissible to use some ointments and rubs. However, without following certain principles of nutrition for gout, which the doctor will definitely tell you about, you can hardly count on a quick recovery.

Gout medications that have a systemic effect should not be used by pregnant women.

Contraindications

Most of the medications prescribed for gout are not recommended for use in the following situations:

• if there is a possibility of an allergic reaction to any of the ingredients of the medication;
• in severe kidney and/or liver diseases;
• during pregnancy and breastfeeding;
• in glucose-galactose malabsorption syndrome.

If any of the contraindications are present, the doctor will definitely select another acceptable treatment regimen.

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Side effects gout medications

The most common side effects that may occur when taking medications for gout are allergic reactions. Allergies can manifest as skin rashes, redness, swelling, itching, conjunctivitis.

Additionally, depending on the specific drug, the following adverse symptoms may occur:

• fever;
• convulsions;
• alopecia;
• headaches;
• dyspepsia;
• sleep disorders;
• paralysis, paresis;
• dizziness, etc.

For more information on side effects, read the instructions for a specific drug. As a rule, side effects go away on their own after treatment.

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Overdose

Symptoms of drug overdose while taking gout medications are similar to side effects, but are somewhat more intense.

If such signs are detected, it is necessary to immediately stop taking medications and consult a doctor who will carry out symptomatic and detoxifying measures.

In severe cases, when using large doses of drugs, hemodialysis may be prescribed.

With external therapy – rubbing and applying ointments – overdose is considered practically impossible due to the low penetration of active components into the systemic bloodstream.

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Interactions with other drugs

Treatment with gout medications should not be combined with the consumption of alcoholic beverages, with the use of other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs not prescribed by a doctor, as well as with other drugs that may be toxic to the patient's body.

During the entire treatment period, it is recommended to refrain from drinking beverages containing caffeine: black tea, coffee, Coca-Cola, energy drinks, etc.

When simultaneously treated with cytostatic drugs, it is recommended to regularly take blood tests and check the indicators.

When combined with diuretics, the load on the urinary system may increase, which is very important for patients with renal dysfunction.

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Storage conditions

Medicines for gout are stored under the conditions specified in the instructions for a specific drug. Before buying medications, it is imperative to check the expiration date and the date of manufacture of the drug. This must be done again before starting treatment. If, according to the instructions, the drug's shelf life has expired, then it should not be taken under any circumstances: increased intoxication, poisoning, as well as unpredictable negative effects of an expired drug are possible.

All medications for gout have their own indications and contraindications for use. Therefore, they can only be taken after a doctor's recommendation. You should not try to treat yourself: this can only worsen the situation and aggravate attacks of the disease.

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