Gout

Question 1

Name drugs used for symptomatic treatment in GOUT

Answer 1

NSAIDs (frequently Indomethacin)
Corticosteroids (short-term)
Low-dose colchicine

Question 2

Name the Xanthine Oxidase Inhibitors

Answer 2

Allopurinol
Febuxostat

Question 3

What causes Gout?

Answer 3

Deposition of monosodium urate crystals in joints - hyperuricaemia
Precipitators: over-eating, trauma, surgery, excessive alcohol intake, treatments that lower blood uric acid, myocardial infarction and stroke

Question 4

What are the symptoms of Gout?

Answer 4

Pain in the joints of the ankle, foot, knee or toes
Joints show lumps, stiffness or swelling
May also be physical deformities or redness

Question 5

How do Xanthine Oxidase Inhibitors work? What are the adverse effects?

Answer 5

Inhibits the metabolism of xanthine to uric acid - reducing uric acid levels
It is given long term
Dose is titrated to plasma urate levels
AE: mild rash, precipitation of gout, hepatotoxicity, rare severe hypersensitivity