Medicines Used for Gout
Gout is a type of arthritis that causes sudden, severe joint pain, most often in the big toe. It happens when too much uric acid in the blood forms sharp crystals in the joint. Attacks are treated with medicines to ease the pain and swelling, and some people also take daily medicine to lower uric acid. A doctor should be seen for a first attack.
Pharmacist review in progress. This page is based on the sources listed below and is being checked by our registered pharmacist.
Medicines used for Gout
These active ingredients are in medicines whose approved uses include Gout. Brands are listed A to Z, not ranked. A doctor or pharmacist decides which medicine is right for you.
Allopurinol
- Zyloric 100 · 100 mg tablet
Colchicine
- Colcin · 0.5 mg tablet
Febuxostat
- Febutaz 40 · 40 mg tablet
Common questions
What does a gout attack feel like?
Sudden, severe pain in a joint, often the big toe, with heat, swelling and red or darker skin over the joint. See a doctor for a first attack, and urgently if you also have a high temperature or feel unwell, which can mean a joint infection.
What can set off a gout attack?
Heavy drinking or large meals, dehydration, illness with fever, joint injury, surgery and some medicines can trigger attacks. Being overweight and having high blood pressure or kidney problems raise the risk. Ask your doctor what applies to you.
Why do some people take gout medicine every day?
If attacks are frequent or uric acid is high, a doctor may prescribe a medicine that lowers uric acid. It works only while taken regularly, even without pain. Do not stop it on your own.
Sources
- Gout. NHS (UK)
- Allopurinol: a medicine to prevent gout and kidney stones. NHS (UK)
- Colchicine: a medicine to treat gout. NHS (UK)
- Febuxostat tablets: prescribing information (Macleods Pharmaceuticals, label revised 09/2023). DailyMed, US National Library of Medicine