These drugs are recommended for patients who have had multiple attacks of gout or kidney stones due to uric acid. The goal of lowering the blood uric acid is to slowly dissolve deposits of sodium urate in the joint. Sudden lowering of the uric acid level may cause an acute attack of gout. Side effects of medications Not all patients will develop side effects from gout medications. How often any side effect occurs varies from patient to patient.
Some side effects are more serious than others.
Before any medication is prescribed, your health-care provider will discuss with you the potential benefits and risks of taking the medication. Dietary changes for most people do not play a major role in controlling their uric acid levels. However, limiting certain foods that cause an increased production of uric acid and reducing alcohol intake is often helpful. Copyright 1999 content, the Cleveland Clinic . The information provided by the Cleveland Clinic is not intended to replace the medical advice of your doctor or health-care provider.