Medication that relieves pain and swelling

NSAID

NSAIDS – Non steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are used to treat acute gout attacks. Diclofenac, Naporoxen or Ibuprofen are non-steroidal drugs that can be used to lessen the pain and reduce the swelling in the inflammation areas. However, the side effects are indigestion and upset stomach. They are not recommended for patients with high blood pressure, asthma and kidney problems. Ibuprofen can be easily found over the counter in pharmacies but consultation with a doctor should always be required before consuming any drugs.

A new type of NSAID called COX-2 selective inhibitors or coxibs helps reduce these symptoms but should still be avoided by patients who have heart or kidney disease. The coxib that has been approved for Gout patients is etorcoxib.

There’s however, one NSAID that Gout patients should avoid which is Aspirin. Aspirin actually causes an increase of uric acid in your blood which aggravates your gout.

Colchicine

Colchicine is another medication that can be prescribed by a doctor to treat acute gout inflammations. Colchicine works by decreasing swelling and lessening the build up of uric acid crystals that cause pain in the affected joint. This drug tends to be prescribed occasionally as it is known to make you feel nauseated or give you diarrhea.

Steroids

If an acute attack of gout does not settle with NSAIDs or colchicine, or if stomach problems or kidney disease rule out the use of these drugs, your doctor may prescribe a corticosteroid (cortisone-like) drug which maybe given in pills or as a injection.