While the gout medication route certainly works for the masses, there are some health concerns that do accompany the use of drugs to treat what causes gout and the aches and pains this condition brings with it.

Popular Gout Medication- Benefits

The most commonly used gout medication for gout treatment are a group of drugs known as NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug) which help to reduce the build up of the uric acid crystals in the joints which is what causes gout pain and discomfort. The most popular prescription NSAIDs used as gout medication are Indomethacin, Napoxen and Ibuprofen. Aspirin is not a recommended gout medication since it may actually make things worse by adversely affecting the uric acid levels in the blood stream.

Colchicine is a gout medication used for both short and long-term gout treatment. This medicine helps to reduce gout attacks by helping to stop the inflammation caused by the uric acid crystals in joints, however it doesn't actually lower the uric acid level in the blood.

Corticosteroids, such as Prednisone, are another type of gout medication that is often prescribed for the treatment of gout especially for people who are not having any success using the NSAIDs or Colchicine. These are actually powerful anti-inflammatory hormones that may be orally taken or injected into the joint to help reduce gout pain.

Uricosuric Agents refer to a type of gout medication used for long-term gout treatment that are designed to assist the kidneys in removing more uric acid from the blood stream thereby reducing the symptoms of gout for occurring.

Alluprinol is another gout medication utilized for the treatment of gout over the long-term. Alluprinol helps to reduce the creation of  uric acid by the body by blocking the release of xanthine oxidase, used by the body to create the uric acid.

Popular Gout Medication- Dangers

Generally there are two sides to every story, and with gout medication this is certainly no different. For all the benefits listed above for the popular gout medication discussed, each one does have some potentially harmful side effects that you must be aware of.

NSAIDs- should never be taken without having a prescription as these drugs can lead to further complications with pre-existing conditions such as ulcers, high blood pressure, anemia along with heart, liver or kidney disease.

Colchicine- this gout medication does have potentially dangerous side effects on the kidney, liver or bone marrow  along with more minor ones such as nausea and diarrhea in some people.

Corticosteroids- can be a very effective short-term solution but are not suggested for use long-term due to a host of harmful side effects including weight gain, high blood pressure, infection risks, fluid retention, glaucoma and cataracts, osteoporosis, acne and even mood swings.

Uricosuric Agents- have side effects ranging from rashes and headaches to problems involving the kidneys and stomach.

Alluprinol- as a long-term gout medication may adversely effect the user with inflammation of the liver, rashes on the skin and bone marrow problems.

Hopefully the pros and cons associated with gout treatment using some of the popular gout medication discussed above has made it very clear that you must speak with a medical doctor before embarking on any treatment to ensure your personal health and safety.