Gout
Medications used to treat and prevent gout attacks.
What is Gout?
Gout is a common type of inflammatory arthritis that causes pain, swelling, and redness in one or more joints. It often starts as a flare, which can last for a week or two before improving. The big toe or lower limbs are usually the first areas affected.
What Causes Gout?
Gout occurs when there is too much uric acid in the body over time. Uric acid is produced when the body breaks down purines, which are found in many foods and body tissues. If the body produces too much uric acid or does not remove enough of it, levels can build up, leading to the formation of needle-like crystals in the joints.
Symptoms of Gout
Gout typically affects one joint at a time, often the big toe, but it can also involve other joints like the ankle and knee. Symptoms include intense pain, swelling, redness, and warmth in the affected joint. Flares can start suddenly, often at night, and usually improve within a week or two.
Why It Matters if Untreated
If gout is left untreated, flares may occur more frequently and last longer. Over time, untreated gout can lead to the development of tophi, which are hard deposits of uric acid under the skin. These can become painful and may cause damage to bones and soft tissues.
How is Gout Treated?
Treatment for gout aims to reduce pain during flares and prevent future episodes. This can include lifestyle changes such as losing weight, limiting alcohol, and avoiding foods high in purines. A range of prescription medicines may also be used to lower uric acid levels in the blood.
When to See a Doctor
If you experience symptoms of gout, such as sudden intense pain in a joint, it is important to see a healthcare provider. They can diagnose the condition and recommend appropriate treatment.
Medications used to treat Gout
Several classes of medication treat gout. Which is right depends on your health — that is a decision for you and your provider. Compare prices and coupons on any of them:
Rx Plus watches all your medications across 60,000+ pharmacies and alerts you when any of them drop in price.
Start trackingA free Rx.com coupon lets you compare cash prices at more than 60,000 US pharmacies and pay the lowest one — no insurance or signup needed. See the full medication list below.
Frequently asked questions
What are the common symptoms of gout?
Common symptoms of gout include intense pain, swelling, redness, and warmth in the affected joint, often starting suddenly at night.
What causes the buildup of uric acid in the body?
Uric acid builds up in the body when there is too much produced or not enough removed, often due to the breakdown of purines found in foods and body tissues.
Who is more likely to develop gout?
People are more likely to develop gout if they are male, older, have obesity, certain health conditions, a family history of gout, or an unhealthy diet.
What happens if gout is left untreated?
If gout is untreated, flares may occur more often and last longer, and it can lead to the formation of tophi, which can cause pain and damage to joints.
How can gout be managed?
Gout can be managed through lifestyle changes, such as weight loss and dietary adjustments, along with a range of prescription medicines to lower uric acid levels.
Compare prices for gout medications
22 medications — select one to compare prices and coupons.
- Allopurinol
- Aspirin
- Aspirin Dipyridamole Er
- Aspirin Low Dose
- Aspirin Omeprazole
- Colchicine
- Colchicine Probenecid
- Febuxostat
- Ibuprofen
- Ibuprofen Famotidine
- Ibuprofen Infants
- Ibuprofen Lysine
- Indomethacin
- Indomethacin Er
- Naproxen
- Naproxen Dr
- Naproxen Esomeprazole Mg
- Naproxen Sodium
- Naproxen Sodium Er
- Phenylbutazone
- Probenecid
- Sulindac
Learn more about gout
-
Naproxen (Aleve / Naprosyn): Complete Pain Relief Guide
Naproxen (Naprosyn, Aleve) is an NSAID used for arthritis, pain, and inflammation. Prescription-strength naproxen is far more effe...
Condition information adapted from MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine.
Medication list sourced from RxClass (MED-RT, U.S. National Library of Medicine). Inclusion does not imply a medication is right for you.
Medical disclaimer: This information is provided for general educational purposes only and is not medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional diagnosis or treatment. Always consult a licensed physician, pharmacist, or other qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication or treatment. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or 911 immediately.