Gout, colchicine uricosuric agents

Management of an acute attack of gout involves the use of high doses of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agents (NSAIDs). Colchicine is useful in patients with heart failure where the use of NSAIDs is contraindicated because of water retention. Allopurinol and other uricosuric agents are not indicated for acute attacks as they may aggravate the condition. The use of an intra-articular corticosteroid injection in gout is unlicensed. 

For patients with chronic gout, colchicine has established value as a prophylactic agent, especially when there is frequent recurrence of attacks. Prophylactic medication also is indicated upon initiation of long-term medication with allopurinol or the uricosuric agents, because acute attacks often increase in frequency during the early months of such therapy. 

In a pathological condition that causes pain, drugs may be used either to care for the acute attack of pain or as prophylaxis to prevent the occurrence of pain. For example, colchicine is used during an acute attack of gout, and after the pain has subsided initially, the patient is switched to uricosuric agents such as probenecid or an inhibitor of uric acid synthesis such as allopurinol. 

Drugs used in the treatment of gout Colchicine Allopurinol Uricosuric agents... 

The options available are allopurinol, probenecid (named patient only) and sulfinpyrazone. Allopurinol is the drug usually chosen as a first line agent for the prevention of gout. Colchicine may be given at a dose of 500 micrograms twice or three times daily when allopurinol or uricosuric drugs are initially commenced in order to prevent an attack of gout. NSAIDs may also be used but this would not be an appropriate option for Mr KT. 

The aims of treatment are to decrease the symptoms of an acute attack, decrease the risk of recurrent attacks, and lower serum urate levels. Therapy of gout focuses on colchicine, allopurinol, and the uricosuric agents—probenecid, sulfinpyrazone, and ben7,bromarone. 

Recurrent attacks of gout can be prevented with the use of colchicine (e.g., 0.6 mg daily or on alternate days). Indomethacin (25 mg/day) also has been used. These agents are used early in the course of uricosuric therapy when mobilization of urate is associated with a temporary increase in the risk of acute gouty arthritis. 

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