Chapter 74 - Drug Therapy for Gout

Question 1

What is there an excess of that causes Gout? Which organ could this impairment occur?

Where is it most often seen?

Answer 1

Uric acid crystal accumulation is the cause for painful re-occurring inflammation or gout.

Excessive uric acid may be due to impaired excretion of uric acid by the kidneys

Gout is most often seen in the Big Toe

Question 2

When a patient experiences gout flare-up, which choice of drug would be considered first?

Since the treatment is brief with said drug, are there more or less risks associated with treatment?

Answer 2

NSAID

Treatment of gout by NSAID is typically brief. Therefore less risk of adverse effects are present.

Question 3

Which drug used to treat gout is an Anti-inflammatory (NOT NSAID) medication used either short or long term?

Answer 3

Colchicine

Question 4

What are 3 considerations when using Colchicine short-term?

Answer 4

1. Used to treat an acute attack
2. Given in a higher dose
3. Inflammation disappears in 2-3 days

Question 5

What (2) considerations are noted when taking colchicine long-term?

Answer 5

1. Used to prevent an acute attack

2. Given in a lower dose

Question 6

What are the adverse effects of using Colchicine? (3)

Answer 6

1. GI effects
2. Myelosuppression
3. Myopathy

Question 7

Which drug used to treat gout reduces uric acid levels in the blood? This drug inhibits uric acid formation.

Answer 7

Allopurinol

Question 8

*What would the nitial use of Allopurinol cause in patients?

Answer 8

The initial use of Allopurinol will cause an acute attack of gout in a patient.

Question 9

What are the adverse effects of the use of Allopurinol? (7)

Answer 9

1. Hypersensitivity Syndrome
2. N/V
3. Diarrhea
4. Drowsiness
5. Headache (HA)
6. Metallic taste
7. May cause cataracts if used for 3 years or more