In an acute gout attack, which medication is commonly prescribed?

In an acute gout attack, which medication is commonly prescribed?

• A. Allopurinol
• B. NSAIDs such as indomethacin
• C. Probenecid
• D. Pegloticase

Answer: (B)

In an acute gout attack, the priority is to rapidly quell joint inflammation and pain. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs work by inhibiting COX enzymes, which decreases prostaglandin production, reduces neutrophil influx into the joint, and quickly lowers inflammation. This is why NSAIDs, such as indomethacin, are the first-line choice for an acute flare and commonly prescribed. Urate-lowering drugs like allopurinol or probenecid aren’t used to treat the flare itself; they aim to change uric acid levels over time and can temporarily worsen the attack if started or intensified during an acute episode, so they’re usually begun after the flare resolves to prevent future episodes. Pegloticase is reserved for chronic, refractory gout, not acute management. If NSAIDs aren’t suitable, alternative acute options include colchicine or corticosteroids, but the standard answer for acute treatment remains an NSAID.

In an acute gout attack, the priority is to rapidly quell joint inflammation and pain. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs work by inhibiting COX enzymes, which decreases prostaglandin production, reduces neutrophil influx into the joint, and quickly lowers inflammation. This is why NSAIDs, such as indomethacin, are the first-line choice for an acute flare and commonly prescribed.

Urate-lowering drugs like allopurinol or probenecid aren’t used to treat the flare itself; they aim to change uric acid levels over time and can temporarily worsen the attack if started or intensified during an acute episode, so they’re usually begun after the flare resolves to prevent future episodes. Pegloticase is reserved for chronic, refractory gout, not acute management. If NSAIDs aren’t suitable, alternative acute options include colchicine or corticosteroids, but the standard answer for acute treatment remains an NSAID.