Corticosteroids are the other type of medicine most commonly prescribed for an acute gout attack (prednisone being the most common). Corticosteroids are strong anti-inflammatory hormones which are taken by mouth or injected into the affected joint.

 

When NSAIDs or corticosteroids do not control symptoms, the healthcare provider may consider using colchicine as part of a gout treatment plan.

 

Colchicine is one of the oldest medicines known to be effective against acute gout. It comes from a common European plant, the autumn crocus. This gout medication is most effective when taken within the first 12 hours of an acute attack. Healthcare providers may ask people to take oral colchicine as often as every hour until joint symptoms begin to improve or side effects such as nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramps, or diarrhea make it uncomfortable to continue taking the drug.

 

Gout Medications to Prevent Future Attacks

There are also medications available to help prevent future gout attacks. These medicines are designed to control uric acid in the blood -- keeping it below concentrations at which crystals can form.

 

These gout medications include:

 

One thing to keep in mind is that these gout medicines may actually prolong an acute gout attack. For this reason, probenecid, sulfinpyrazone, and allopurinol are not used during the acute attack of gout. Also, during the first couple of months of treatment with these medicines, the healthcare provider may prescribe oral colchicine in small daily doses to prevent attacks.