Drugs » Drugs used in Gout

Drugs used in Gout

Gout is a metabolic disorder characterized by hyperuricaemia (normal plasma uric acid 2-7 mg/dl). Uric acid, a product of purine metabolism, has low water solubility, especially at low pH. When blood levels are high, it precipitates and deposits in joints, kidney and subcutaneous tissue (gouty tophi).

Secondary hyperuricaemia occurs in:

1. Leukemias, lymphomas, polycythaemia - especially when treated with chemotherapy or radiation; this occurs due to enhanced nucleic acid metabolism and uric acid production.
2. Drug induced - Thiazides, Frusemide, Pyrazinamide, Ethambutol, Levodopa, clofibrate reduce uric acid excretion by kidney.

Drug used are:
For acute gout

1. NSAIDs
2. Colchicine
3. Corticosteroids

For chronic gout/ hyperuricaemia

1. Uricosuric synthesis inhibitors
2. Probenecid
3. Allopurinol
4. Sulfinpyrazone