Gout hits fast and hurts a lot. Good news: most flare pain is treatable, and long-term options can lower uric acid and cut attacks. This page breaks down the main medicines, what they do, and simple safety tips so you can talk with your doctor and feel better faster.
If a joint is red, hot, and unbearable, these medicines are the usual first moves.
NSAIDs (like ibuprofen or naproxen) reduce inflammation and pain. They work well for many people but can irritate the stomach or raise blood pressure. If you have kidney disease, ulcers, or heart problems, check with your doctor before using them.
Colchicine eases gout attacks when taken early. Newer low-dose regimens lower side effects, but colchicine can cause diarrhea and, in rare cases, serious toxicity—especially if mixed with certain antibiotics or antifungals. Always tell your doctor about other drugs you take.
Corticosteroids (oral or injected) control inflammation quickly when NSAIDs or colchicine aren’t safe. Steroids can raise blood sugar and change mood, so doctors weigh benefits and risks for each person.
Stopping flares means lowering uric acid over time. These drugs are for people with repeated attacks, tophi, or kidney stones from urate.
Allopurinol is the most common first-line drug. It lowers uric acid and often prevents future attacks. A small number of people get allergic or severe skin reactions—report any rash right away. Doctors usually start low and adjust the dose based on blood tests.
Febuxostat is an alternative that also lowers uric acid. Some studies found higher heart-related risks in people with existing heart disease, so doctors consider your heart history before choosing it.
Probenecid helps the kidneys remove uric acid and can work for people who under-excrete it. It’s not suitable if you have certain kidney stones or low kidney function.
Pegloticase is an IV option for severe, treatment-resistant gout. It works fast but is used only in specialized settings because of cost and possible reactions.
Practical tips: aim for a target uric acid level your doctor recommends and check levels regularly. If starting a urate-lowering drug, attacks can temporarily increase—doctors often give a low-dose preventive medicine during the first months.
Lifestyle changes boost what medicines do: lose weight if needed, cut beer and sugary drinks, limit red meat and shellfish, stay hydrated, and avoid crash diets. These moves lower uric acid and reduce flare risk.
Don’t self-prescribe. Talk with your doctor about kidney function, other conditions, and drug interactions. With the right plan, most people get fewer attacks and better quality of life.
