Regardless of what part of this world you are in, the number of those who are suffering from gout is increasing rapidly. This is the main reason why the number of medications that are being used to treat gout continues to grow as well. The sad thing in here is that, it is not just about the steep number. Because despite the number of gout medications that are widely available in stores, there are some ineffective brands that are for more ineffective overall medication. One medication that gout sufferers use is the NSAID or Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs. Read on to this article to know about the effectiveness of NSAIDs for gout.
NSAIDs…
First of all, the acronym stands for Non-Steroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs. Did you know that we have been using the NSAID or Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs in treating various diseases since the year 1763? Well, this is a fact. NSAIDs are actually in the form of painkillers, which are beneficial in reducing the inflammation in various areas in the body, like in the knees or toes during the gout attack. Furthermore, it also works in reducing the levels of pain and are commonly suggested as a primary treatment for gout. These kind of medication are also beneficial in relieving arthritis.
Moreover, NSAIDs, just like indomethacin, naproxen, and some others, are the most varied gout medications. Each of them has their own degree of effects, and of course, side effects. Even though not mainly intended in getting rid of gout, they are actually beneficial for the alleviation of both the inflammation and pain. Despite the fact that they come in a lot of varieties, their own central principle turns around the inhibition of the cyclooxygenase enzyme, which in fact, plays a vast role in the occurrence of inflammation and pain.
Furthermore, the side effects of these NSAID or Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs may differ. For example, the diclofenac has anti-uricosuric properties. This just means that it is the very opposite of the uricosuric drugs. Diclofenac may elude the excretion of the uric acid. Meaning, it’ll be very bad for the condition.
NSAIDs for Gout
Here are some of the NSAIDs, which are beneficial in treating gout:
- Diclofenac (Voltarol)
- Etodolac (Lodine)
- Etoricoxib (Arcoxia)
- Fenoprofen (Nalfon)
- Ibuprofen (Advil or Motrin)
- Indometacin (first choice of physicians)
- Ketoprofen (Orudis and Oruvail)
- Nabumetone (Relafen)
- Naproxen (Naprosyn or Arthoxen)
- Tolmetin (Tolectin)
- Meloxicam (Mobic)
- Sulindac (Clinoril)
An important reminder, even though aspirin is an NSAID, it isn’t recommended for the treatment of gout. studies actually show that aspirin may cause the uric acid levels to rise. Furthermore, the corticosteroids may also be beneficial. And the Prednisone is the most usual prescription and is frequently used by people who aren’t able to take colchicine or NSAIDs. The use of NSAID is commonly for the relief of the symptoms of a gout attack in a span of 48 hours.
Function of NSAIDs
The NSAIDs or Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs are a broad group of medications from a lot of different classes. Even though their own chemical structures are different, they still have things in common, and they are as follows:
- They reduce pain
- Helps reduce inflammation
- They reduce high fever and temperature
The NSAIDs or Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs actually work by slowing down the formation of compounds known as the prostaglandins. These compounds, in fact, play a significant role in the inflammatory response of the body. The reduction in the number of prostaglandins that are being produced by the tissue damage may reduce the inflammation.
Furthermore, the NSAIDs or Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs block the cyclooxygenase enzymes. This enzyme is what helps the reactions that are producing the prostaglandins. Through the blocking of COX, there may be an interference with the platelets. This is the reason why the medication has its own anti-clotting properties.
Side Effects of NSAIDs
Just like any other medications, NSAIDs or Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs also have various side effects, which can be experienced by various people. These include headaches, tiredness, constipation, diarrhea, vomiting, and nausea. Furthermore, it may also irritate the lining in the stomach, thus causing stomach bleeding as well as an ulcer.
Moreover, people who have reduced function in kidneys or those who are stomach ulcer or bleeding must avoid the use of NSAIDs. Make certain that you consult your doctor before you use NSAIDs for gout. If you are going to use it effectively and in proper dosage, it can be very effective against gout attacks.
