Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsOverview of Gout MedicationsUrate-Lowering DrugsAnti-InflammatoriesPain Relief at HomeSupplements for GoutPotential Side Effects and RisksGout PreventionResources and Support
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Overview of Gout Medications
Urate-Lowering Drugs
Anti-Inflammatories
Pain Relief at Home
Supplements for Gout
Potential Side Effects and Risks
Gout Prevention
Resources and Support
Uric acid is made in the body from purines found in some foods.This uric acid (hyperuricemia) build-up causes pain and swelling, typically in one joint at a time. Thebig toeis often the first body part that’s affected.
Two main types of medications are used to treat gout: urate-lowering and anti-inflammatory drugs. Medications like these help manage the symptoms associated with gout attacks and prevent future flare-ups.
Here’s what you need to know aboutmedicationsthat control gout and prevent acute attacks.
ROBERT BROOK/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY / Getty Images
Medications for gout are aimed at preventing and treating flares.
Flares, or gout attacks, are times of acute, intense pain and swelling in the joints.They often strike at nightand can last days to weeks if not treated.
Gout medicines also preventkidney stonesandtophi(uric acid build-up below the skin, which can damage joints).
The main categories of gout medications are:
A Word From VerywellMultiple medications are available for the prevention and treatment of gout and gout flares. The most common effective options for prevention are allopurinol and Uloric (febuxostat), which have similar efficacy rates. The determining factor in deciding which to use can come down to a few factors, such as cost, allergies, or comorbidities. For flares, colchicine is the most common and preferred option. Again, cost, allergies, and other conditions you may have must be considered when prescribing or starting a new medication.—LINDSAY COOK, PHARMD, MEDICAL EXPERT BOARD
A Word From Verywell
Multiple medications are available for the prevention and treatment of gout and gout flares. The most common effective options for prevention are allopurinol and Uloric (febuxostat), which have similar efficacy rates. The determining factor in deciding which to use can come down to a few factors, such as cost, allergies, or comorbidities. For flares, colchicine is the most common and preferred option. Again, cost, allergies, and other conditions you may have must be considered when prescribing or starting a new medication.—LINDSAY COOK, PHARMD, MEDICAL EXPERT BOARD
Multiple medications are available for the prevention and treatment of gout and gout flares. The most common effective options for prevention are allopurinol and Uloric (febuxostat), which have similar efficacy rates. The determining factor in deciding which to use can come down to a few factors, such as cost, allergies, or comorbidities. For flares, colchicine is the most common and preferred option. Again, cost, allergies, and other conditions you may have must be considered when prescribing or starting a new medication.
—LINDSAY COOK, PHARMD, MEDICAL EXPERT BOARD
Urate-lowering drugs are used to help manage chronic gout and prevent flares. They are recommended for people who have at least two gout flares per year and those with complications like tophi.
These medications can be initiated during a flare and will likely need to be taken indefinitely (life-long).
This class of drugs includes the following medicines:
Taking either allopurinol or Uloric for six months has been shown to restore normal uric acid levels in the body.But keep in mind that 87% of people who stop taking urate-lowering drugs will have a flare within five years.
Anti-Inflammatory Medications
These medicines include the following:
Other options includeadrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH)andinterleukin-1 inhibitorssuch as the following:
These medications are expensive, and there’s not enough research to know how effective they are for gout.They’re not typically used unless standard treatments haven’t worked.
Some simple strategies for managing mild to moderate gout pain can help protect the joint from further damage.
These home remedies include the following:
These strategies can be used in conjunction with prescription medications or over-the-counter (OTC) NSAIDs for gout.
Supplements that have been studied for gout include the following:
How Do I Choose a Supplement?
All medications have the potential to cause side effects. These side effects can be minor or severe.
Some gout medications are associated with gastrointestinal issues, allergic reactions, and interactions with other drugs.
Keep the following precautions in mind when using medications for gout.
Discussing your therapy with healthcare providers for personalized treatment recommendations and monitoring is key.
Dietary and lifestyle modifications can help prevent flares.Here are some practical steps to implement as you are able.
Gout Triggers
While it’s impossible to eliminate some of these triggers, it’s essential to try to minimize the ones you can control. Eating a healthy diet, staying hydrated, and managing stress can help lower the risk of gout flares.
Gout Diet
Limiting these foodsmay help ward off a gout attack.
Research shows that low-fat, low-carbohydrate diets can help minimize gout flares when used in a comprehensive gout management plan.These include theMediterranean dietand theDietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet.
Cutting down on sugary drinks and alcohol can also help prevent flares.However, remember that dietary changes with medications are helpful.
If you’ve been diagnosed with gout, it’s important to know where to find information, encouragement, and practical tips for managing your condition.
Check out gout resources from these reputable sources:
Some online support groups to help empower you include:
When to Talk to Your Healthcare ProviderBe sure to talk to your healthcare provider promptly if:You have symptoms of a gout flare for the first time. Symptoms include intense redness, pain, and swelling at a joint.Your prescribed medications for a gout flare aren’t working.
When to Talk to Your Healthcare Provider
Be sure to talk to your healthcare provider promptly if:You have symptoms of a gout flare for the first time. Symptoms include intense redness, pain, and swelling at a joint.Your prescribed medications for a gout flare aren’t working.
Be sure to talk to your healthcare provider promptly if:
Summary
Urate-lowering medications (e.g., allopurinol, Uloric, and probenecid) are used to prevent gout flares in people who have at least two flares a year. They are also recommended for people who have complications from gout, including tophi.
Anti-inflammatory medications include NSAIDs, corticosteroids, and colchicine. These medications are used to reduce pain and swelling in acute gout attacks. NSAIDs and steroids are used short-term to minimize side effects, while colchicine can be used indefinitely.
Home remedies like rest, ice, and elevation can help manage gout flares. Supplements may help, though more research is needed to know for sure.
Prevention of gout is based on eating a healthy diet and minimizing gout triggers. These triggers can include stress, joint injuries, and weather extremes.
Reach out to your healthcare provider if your symptoms worsen or your medications are not working.
22 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Gout.National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases.Gout.Pillinger MH, Mandell BF.Therapeutic approaches in the treatment of gout.Semin Arthritis Rheum. 2020;50(3S):S24-S30. doi:10.1016/j.semarthrit.2020.04.010Coburn BW, Mikuls TR.Treatment options for acute gout.Fed Pract. 2016;33(1):35-40.Dakkak M, Lanney H.Management of gout: update from the American College of Rheumatology.American Family Physician. 2021;104(2):209-210.FitzGerald JD, Dalbeth N, Mikuls T, et al.2020 American College of Rheumatology guideline for the management of gout.Arthritis Care Res (Hoboken). 2020;72(6):744-760. doi:10.1002/acr.24180Fan M, Liu J, Zhao B, et al.Comparison of efficacy and safety of urate-lowering therapies for hyperuricemic patients with gout: a meta-analysis of randomized, controlled trials.Clin Rheumatol. 2021;40(2):683-692. doi:10.1007/s10067-020-05272-4Ericson-Neilsen W, Kaye AD.Steroids: pharmacology, complications, and practice delivery issues.Ochsner J. 2014;14(2):203-207.Schlesinger N, Pillinger MH, Simon LS, et al.Interleukin-1β inhibitors for the management of acute gout flares: a systematic literature review.Arthritis Res Ther. 2023;25(1):128. doi:10.1186/s13075-023-03098-4Stamp LK, Grainger R, Frampton C, Drake J, Hill CL.Effect of omega-three supplementation on serum urate and gout flares in people with gout; a pilot randomized trial.BMC Rheumatol. 2022;6(1):31. doi:10.1186/s41927-022-00263-1Qin X, Li Y, He M, et al.Folic acid therapy reduces serum uric acid in hypertensive patients: a substudy of the China Stroke Primary Prevention Trial (CSPPT).Am J Clin Nutr. 2017;105(4):882-889. doi:10.3945/ajcn.116.143131Isnuwardana R, Bijukchhe S, Thadanipon K, et al.Association between vitamin D and uric acid in adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis.Horm Metab Res. 2020;52(10):732-741. doi:10.1055/a-1240-5850Yokose C, McCormick N, Choi HK.Dietary and lifestyle-centered approach in gout care and prevention.Curr Rheumatol Rep. 2021;23(7):51. doi:10.1007/s11926-021-01020-yBen Salem C, Slim R, Fathallah N, et al.Drug-induced hyperuricaemia and gout.Rheumatology (Oxford). 2017;56(5):679-688. doi:10.1093/rheumatology/kew293Kakutani-Hatayama M, Kadoya M, Okazaki H, et al.Nonpharmacological management of gout and hyperuricemia: hints for better lifestyle.Am J Lifestyle Med. 2015;11(4):321-329. doi:10.1177/1559827615601973Abhishek A, Valdes AM, Jenkins W, et al.Triggers of acute attacks of gout, does age of gout onset matter? A primary care based cross-sectional study.PLoS One. 2017;12(10):e0186096. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0186096Wang H, Yan C, Wu Q, et al.Acute gout attacks during the perioperative period and risk factors of recurrence after orthopedic surgery among untreated gout patients.J Orthop Surg Res. 2023;18(1):61. doi:10.1186/s13018-023-03536-8Zhang Y, Chen S, Yuan M, et al.Gout and diet: A comprehensive review of mechanisms and management.Nutrients. 2022;14(17):3525. doi:10.3390/nu14173525American College of Rheumatology.Gout.National Kidney Foundation.Gout central.Arthritis Foundation.Gout Connect Group.Alliance for Gout Awareness.
22 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Gout.National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases.Gout.Pillinger MH, Mandell BF.Therapeutic approaches in the treatment of gout.Semin Arthritis Rheum. 2020;50(3S):S24-S30. doi:10.1016/j.semarthrit.2020.04.010Coburn BW, Mikuls TR.Treatment options for acute gout.Fed Pract. 2016;33(1):35-40.Dakkak M, Lanney H.Management of gout: update from the American College of Rheumatology.American Family Physician. 2021;104(2):209-210.FitzGerald JD, Dalbeth N, Mikuls T, et al.2020 American College of Rheumatology guideline for the management of gout.Arthritis Care Res (Hoboken). 2020;72(6):744-760. doi:10.1002/acr.24180Fan M, Liu J, Zhao B, et al.Comparison of efficacy and safety of urate-lowering therapies for hyperuricemic patients with gout: a meta-analysis of randomized, controlled trials.Clin Rheumatol. 2021;40(2):683-692. doi:10.1007/s10067-020-05272-4Ericson-Neilsen W, Kaye AD.Steroids: pharmacology, complications, and practice delivery issues.Ochsner J. 2014;14(2):203-207.Schlesinger N, Pillinger MH, Simon LS, et al.Interleukin-1β inhibitors for the management of acute gout flares: a systematic literature review.Arthritis Res Ther. 2023;25(1):128. doi:10.1186/s13075-023-03098-4Stamp LK, Grainger R, Frampton C, Drake J, Hill CL.Effect of omega-three supplementation on serum urate and gout flares in people with gout; a pilot randomized trial.BMC Rheumatol. 2022;6(1):31. doi:10.1186/s41927-022-00263-1Qin X, Li Y, He M, et al.Folic acid therapy reduces serum uric acid in hypertensive patients: a substudy of the China Stroke Primary Prevention Trial (CSPPT).Am J Clin Nutr. 2017;105(4):882-889. doi:10.3945/ajcn.116.143131Isnuwardana R, Bijukchhe S, Thadanipon K, et al.Association between vitamin D and uric acid in adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis.Horm Metab Res. 2020;52(10):732-741. doi:10.1055/a-1240-5850Yokose C, McCormick N, Choi HK.Dietary and lifestyle-centered approach in gout care and prevention.Curr Rheumatol Rep. 2021;23(7):51. doi:10.1007/s11926-021-01020-yBen Salem C, Slim R, Fathallah N, et al.Drug-induced hyperuricaemia and gout.Rheumatology (Oxford). 2017;56(5):679-688. doi:10.1093/rheumatology/kew293Kakutani-Hatayama M, Kadoya M, Okazaki H, et al.Nonpharmacological management of gout and hyperuricemia: hints for better lifestyle.Am J Lifestyle Med. 2015;11(4):321-329. doi:10.1177/1559827615601973Abhishek A, Valdes AM, Jenkins W, et al.Triggers of acute attacks of gout, does age of gout onset matter? A primary care based cross-sectional study.PLoS One. 2017;12(10):e0186096. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0186096Wang H, Yan C, Wu Q, et al.Acute gout attacks during the perioperative period and risk factors of recurrence after orthopedic surgery among untreated gout patients.J Orthop Surg Res. 2023;18(1):61. doi:10.1186/s13018-023-03536-8Zhang Y, Chen S, Yuan M, et al.Gout and diet: A comprehensive review of mechanisms and management.Nutrients. 2022;14(17):3525. doi:10.3390/nu14173525American College of Rheumatology.Gout.National Kidney Foundation.Gout central.Arthritis Foundation.Gout Connect Group.Alliance for Gout Awareness.
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Gout.National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases.Gout.Pillinger MH, Mandell BF.Therapeutic approaches in the treatment of gout.Semin Arthritis Rheum. 2020;50(3S):S24-S30. doi:10.1016/j.semarthrit.2020.04.010Coburn BW, Mikuls TR.Treatment options for acute gout.Fed Pract. 2016;33(1):35-40.Dakkak M, Lanney H.Management of gout: update from the American College of Rheumatology.American Family Physician. 2021;104(2):209-210.FitzGerald JD, Dalbeth N, Mikuls T, et al.2020 American College of Rheumatology guideline for the management of gout.Arthritis Care Res (Hoboken). 2020;72(6):744-760. doi:10.1002/acr.24180Fan M, Liu J, Zhao B, et al.Comparison of efficacy and safety of urate-lowering therapies for hyperuricemic patients with gout: a meta-analysis of randomized, controlled trials.Clin Rheumatol. 2021;40(2):683-692. doi:10.1007/s10067-020-05272-4Ericson-Neilsen W, Kaye AD.Steroids: pharmacology, complications, and practice delivery issues.Ochsner J. 2014;14(2):203-207.Schlesinger N, Pillinger MH, Simon LS, et al.Interleukin-1β inhibitors for the management of acute gout flares: a systematic literature review.Arthritis Res Ther. 2023;25(1):128. doi:10.1186/s13075-023-03098-4Stamp LK, Grainger R, Frampton C, Drake J, Hill CL.Effect of omega-three supplementation on serum urate and gout flares in people with gout; a pilot randomized trial.BMC Rheumatol. 2022;6(1):31. doi:10.1186/s41927-022-00263-1Qin X, Li Y, He M, et al.Folic acid therapy reduces serum uric acid in hypertensive patients: a substudy of the China Stroke Primary Prevention Trial (CSPPT).Am J Clin Nutr. 2017;105(4):882-889. doi:10.3945/ajcn.116.143131Isnuwardana R, Bijukchhe S, Thadanipon K, et al.Association between vitamin D and uric acid in adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis.Horm Metab Res. 2020;52(10):732-741. doi:10.1055/a-1240-5850Yokose C, McCormick N, Choi HK.Dietary and lifestyle-centered approach in gout care and prevention.Curr Rheumatol Rep. 2021;23(7):51. doi:10.1007/s11926-021-01020-yBen Salem C, Slim R, Fathallah N, et al.Drug-induced hyperuricaemia and gout.Rheumatology (Oxford). 2017;56(5):679-688. doi:10.1093/rheumatology/kew293Kakutani-Hatayama M, Kadoya M, Okazaki H, et al.Nonpharmacological management of gout and hyperuricemia: hints for better lifestyle.Am J Lifestyle Med. 2015;11(4):321-329. doi:10.1177/1559827615601973Abhishek A, Valdes AM, Jenkins W, et al.Triggers of acute attacks of gout, does age of gout onset matter? A primary care based cross-sectional study.PLoS One. 2017;12(10):e0186096. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0186096Wang H, Yan C, Wu Q, et al.Acute gout attacks during the perioperative period and risk factors of recurrence after orthopedic surgery among untreated gout patients.J Orthop Surg Res. 2023;18(1):61. doi:10.1186/s13018-023-03536-8Zhang Y, Chen S, Yuan M, et al.Gout and diet: A comprehensive review of mechanisms and management.Nutrients. 2022;14(17):3525. doi:10.3390/nu14173525American College of Rheumatology.Gout.National Kidney Foundation.Gout central.Arthritis Foundation.Gout Connect Group.Alliance for Gout Awareness.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Gout.
National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases.Gout.
Pillinger MH, Mandell BF.Therapeutic approaches in the treatment of gout.Semin Arthritis Rheum. 2020;50(3S):S24-S30. doi:10.1016/j.semarthrit.2020.04.010
Coburn BW, Mikuls TR.Treatment options for acute gout.Fed Pract. 2016;33(1):35-40.
Dakkak M, Lanney H.Management of gout: update from the American College of Rheumatology.American Family Physician. 2021;104(2):209-210.
FitzGerald JD, Dalbeth N, Mikuls T, et al.2020 American College of Rheumatology guideline for the management of gout.Arthritis Care Res (Hoboken). 2020;72(6):744-760. doi:10.1002/acr.24180
Fan M, Liu J, Zhao B, et al.Comparison of efficacy and safety of urate-lowering therapies for hyperuricemic patients with gout: a meta-analysis of randomized, controlled trials.Clin Rheumatol. 2021;40(2):683-692. doi:10.1007/s10067-020-05272-4
Ericson-Neilsen W, Kaye AD.Steroids: pharmacology, complications, and practice delivery issues.Ochsner J. 2014;14(2):203-207.
Schlesinger N, Pillinger MH, Simon LS, et al.Interleukin-1β inhibitors for the management of acute gout flares: a systematic literature review.Arthritis Res Ther. 2023;25(1):128. doi:10.1186/s13075-023-03098-4
Stamp LK, Grainger R, Frampton C, Drake J, Hill CL.Effect of omega-three supplementation on serum urate and gout flares in people with gout; a pilot randomized trial.BMC Rheumatol. 2022;6(1):31. doi:10.1186/s41927-022-00263-1
Qin X, Li Y, He M, et al.Folic acid therapy reduces serum uric acid in hypertensive patients: a substudy of the China Stroke Primary Prevention Trial (CSPPT).Am J Clin Nutr. 2017;105(4):882-889. doi:10.3945/ajcn.116.143131
Isnuwardana R, Bijukchhe S, Thadanipon K, et al.Association between vitamin D and uric acid in adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis.Horm Metab Res. 2020;52(10):732-741. doi:10.1055/a-1240-5850
Yokose C, McCormick N, Choi HK.Dietary and lifestyle-centered approach in gout care and prevention.Curr Rheumatol Rep. 2021;23(7):51. doi:10.1007/s11926-021-01020-y
Ben Salem C, Slim R, Fathallah N, et al.Drug-induced hyperuricaemia and gout.Rheumatology (Oxford). 2017;56(5):679-688. doi:10.1093/rheumatology/kew293
Kakutani-Hatayama M, Kadoya M, Okazaki H, et al.Nonpharmacological management of gout and hyperuricemia: hints for better lifestyle.Am J Lifestyle Med. 2015;11(4):321-329. doi:10.1177/1559827615601973
Abhishek A, Valdes AM, Jenkins W, et al.Triggers of acute attacks of gout, does age of gout onset matter? A primary care based cross-sectional study.PLoS One. 2017;12(10):e0186096. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0186096
Wang H, Yan C, Wu Q, et al.Acute gout attacks during the perioperative period and risk factors of recurrence after orthopedic surgery among untreated gout patients.J Orthop Surg Res. 2023;18(1):61. doi:10.1186/s13018-023-03536-8
Zhang Y, Chen S, Yuan M, et al.Gout and diet: A comprehensive review of mechanisms and management.Nutrients. 2022;14(17):3525. doi:10.3390/nu14173525
American College of Rheumatology.Gout.
National Kidney Foundation.Gout central.
Arthritis Foundation.Gout Connect Group.
Alliance for Gout Awareness.
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