Gout Drugs and Their Possible Side effects

The first line of defence is the NSAIDs, both over -the- counter, and prescription strength, these work by suppressing the production of prostaglandins which cause the pain and inflammation.It's most unlikely that an over-the-counter NSAID would be capable of doing much for a severe acute gout attack, prescription strength would be most likely needed.NSAIDs include the following:

Aspirin, Salsalate ,Ibuprofen, Ketoprofen, Nabumetone, Piroxicam, Naproxen,Diclofenac ,Indomethacin,
Sulindac, Tolmetin,  Etodolac,  Ketorolac, Oxaprozin, Celecoxib .NSAIDs are said to deplete melatonin, and a side effect of this would no doubt be a disruption to normal sleep pattern, hopefully you will not be reaching for the sleeping pills!

Although these drugs may offer relief, they are known to have side effects, some of which may be diarrhea, headache, confusion, exacerbation of hypertension, and fluid retention. The most dangerous side effects are gastric irritation and bleeding, both of which may occur without the patient being aware of it.

People who have arthritic conditions, and this includes some 14 million patients in the US, who consume NSAIDs regularly, up to 60% will have gastrointestinal side effects related to these drugs and more than 10% will cease to take NSAIDs because of gastro upsets.

Colchicine  (Meadow saffron /Autumn crocus) has been used to treat gout since the fifth century. Alexander of Trailes acknowledged the efficacy of colchicine for gout, however, he went on to say that although it speedily relieved the pain and soreness of the attack, it nevertheless favoured the frequent recurrence of attacks.

Colchicine is still used today for it has been found to block the inflammation caused by the urate crystals.It has been noted that 8o percent of people who take colchicine in doses high enough to be effective to treat a gout attack develop stomach problems, cramping, nausea, diarrhea or vomiting.

Possible side effects include: blood in urine, difficulty breathing, fever, chills, sore throat, muscle weakness, numbness or tingling in the hands or feet, pain or difficulty passing urine, skin rash, itching, swelling of the face or mouth, unusual bruising or bleeding, unusual weakness or tiredness.

Colchicine may be given intravenously for those patients who can't tolerate the GI effects, however, the possible side effects here ar far more serious, they include: bone marrow suppression, and cell damage to kidneys and other organs.Because colchicine has the ability to inhibit cell division, it has been used to treat  cancer.

Probenecid and sulfinpyrazone are used to help lower uric acid levels. There are a number of drugs which interact with Probenecid : allopurinol, NSAIDs, antibiotics, antivirals,asprin, clofibrate, diazoxide, enthambutol, heparin, mecamylamine,methotrexate, nitrofurantoin,pyrazinamide, diuretics, and alcohol.

Possible side effects: blood in urine, difficulty breathing, wheezing, shortness of breath, fever, chills, sore throat, lower back or side pain, mouth sores, pain or difficulty passing urine, skin rash, itching, swelling of feet, ankles, face or lips,unusula weakness or tiredness, unusual bleeding or bruising.

Sulfinpyrazone and drugs which may interact: acetaminophen,alcohol, alosetron, asprin, warfarin, heparin, enoxaparin, cholestyramine, cisplatin, colchicine, cyclosporine, ethambutol, mecamylamine, medicines for diabetes, nitrofurantoin, probenecid, ramelteon, sulhamethoxazole, theophylline, verapamil, diuretics, zonisamide.

Possible side effects from Sulfinpyrazone: blood in urine, tarry stools, difficulty breathing, wheezing or shortness of breath, fever, chills, sore throat, lower back or side pain, pain or difficulty passing urine, skin rash, itching,swelling of feet, ankles, face, lips, unusula bleeding, bruising, unusual weakness or tiredness.

Allopurinol prevents the release of a substance called xanthine oxidase which helps in the formation of uric acid, and in this manner blocks the formation of uric acid. This medicine is not to be used to treat a gout attack, or while any symptoms of gout still persist. Once the gout attack has passed then this medicine is given to prevent further gout attacks.

Skin rash is a common side effect and will need to be investigated for possible signs of allergic reaction to the medication. .

Rare, serious side effects include:Inflammation of the liver (hepatitis). Failure of bone marrow to produce blood cells (aplastic anemia). Inflammation of blood vessels (vasculitis), fever, mouth sores, poor kidney function, liver inflammation, and other complications which can be life-threatening. Allopurinol interferes with many other medications. It may increase or decrease the levels of other medications, which may increase the toxicity of these medications or reduce their effectiveness.