Gout

There are a number of treatment options for sudden (acute) attacks of gout other than NSAIDs, including

• steroid pills
• steroid injections
• colchicine
• pain medications
• splinting
• time.

In addition, there are preventative measures that can make attacks less likely, including

• avoid diuretics (often called "water pills" because they increase urination)
• avoid alcohol, especially binge drinking
• avoid dehydration
• long-term medications (including allopurinol, probenecid and sulfinpyrazone) that can prevent attacks and lower the risk of complications.

These are usually reserved for those who have attacks of gout that are particularly severe, frequent, difficult to treat or involve more than one joint at the same time.

Talk with your doctor about your history of gout and which approach -- intermittent treatment for sudden attacks or long-term treatment to prevent attacks--makes the most sense for you.

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Online Medical Reviewer: Shmerling, Robert H. MD Date Last Reviewed: 5/16/2006 Date Last Modified: 5/9/2006 Source: from Harvard Health Decision Guides, Harvard Health Publications, Copyright © 2007 by President and Fellows of Harvard College. All rights reserved. Used with permission of StayWell.

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