What medication for gout provides the fastest pain relief?
Disease description:
Recently, a relative of mine had a severe gout attack. May I ask, what medication is most effective for quickly relieving gout pain?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Yang Tiesheng
During acute attacks, commonly used analgesic medications include nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as etoricoxib, celecoxib, and ibuprofen, low-dose corticosteroids, and low-dose colchicine.
1. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs: These medications can rapidly alleviate inflammation and pain caused by gout. Common NSAIDs include indomethacin and ibuprofen. However, NSAIDs should be used according to medical instructions, as they may cause gastrointestinal discomfort or kidney problems.
2. Low-dose corticosteroids: These medications act quickly and have significant anti-inflammatory effects. However, gout symptoms tend to recur easily after discontinuation, and side effects such as hypertension and hyperglycemia may occur; therefore, they should be used with caution.
3. Low-dose colchicine: This is a medication specifically used for acute gout attacks, effectively reducing inflammation and pain. However, colchicine also has certain side effects, such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, and its dosage must be strictly controlled.
Each medication has its own indications and contraindications, and patients should choose appropriate medications based on their individual conditions and medical advice.
