What medications are used to treat gout?

In daily life, many people suffer from gout, which significantly disrupts their personal lives and work—causing considerable distress—and they often seek pharmacological interventions for relief. What medications are used to treat gout?

What Medications Are Used for Gout?

During acute gout attacks, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) may be prescribed to provide temporary pain relief. Commonly used NSAIDs include ibuprofen, fenbid (ibuprofen sustained-release capsules), and etoricoxib. In severe cases, intravenous ibuprofen administration may be necessary. Additionally, agents that improve bone metabolism—such as guaifen (a traditional Chinese medicine preparation containing snake venom and melon seed extract) and chondroitin sulfate—may also be considered. If symptoms persist, corticosteroid therapy may be employed.

Gout management differs between the acute phase and the intercritical (remission) phase. During the acute phase, treatment primarily involves NSAIDs, colchicine, and sodium bicarbonate, with the goal of rapidly controlling joint inflammation. In the remission phase, uric acid–lowering agents such as benzbromarone or febuxostat are used, aiming to achieve and maintain target serum uric acid levels. Patients are advised to seek standardized diagnosis and treatment at a reputable hospital’s rheumatology department to facilitate prompt recovery.

In its early stage, gout is primarily manifested as asymptomatic hyperuricemia; as the disease progresses, gouty arthritis may develop. Clinically, patients often focus particularly on medication options for gouty arthritis. During acute gouty arthritis flares, NSAIDs—including fenbid, voltaren (diclofenac), and etoricoxib—may be used; alternatively, colchicine or short-term corticosteroid therapy may be administered. We hope this information proves helpful to you.