If you have gout, you know how painful a joint inflamed during a gout attack can be. Fortunately, gout is one of the most preventable and treatable forms of arthritis. Not only are there medications that can ease attacks, there are also medications that can help keep future attacks from happening.

Doctors often prescribe NSAIDs, corticosteroids or an anti-inflammatory medication called colchicine to quickly reduce pain and inflammation during attacks, but for long-term treatment, the most useful drugs are those that target the build-up of uric acid that deposits as crystals in the joint tissue.

The treatment your doctor prescribes to control gout and reduce future attacks depends on whether your body produces too much uric acid or doesn't excrete uric acid properly. If your body produces too much uric acid, a drug called allopurinol (Lopurin, Zyloprim) may slow uric acid production. Allopurinol is also helpful if your kidneys under-excrete uric acid. If your body doesn't excrete uric acid well, another drug - probenecid (Benemid, Probalan) - can help step up the process.

By taking your prescribed medication regularly - uric acid-lowering therapy is life-long - and following any diet or exercise program your doctor prescribes, you can dramatically decrease painful gout attacks.

On Newsstands Now Get your own copy of the 2007 Drug Guide featured in the 20th Anniversary issue of Arthritis Today magazine. Arthritis Today The consumer health magazine published by the Arthritis Foundation six times a year. Order your FREE trial issue today!