Fast acting corticosteroids for immediate gout pain treatment

IMMEDIATE GOUT TREATMENT

Corticosteroids may be used for fast gout treatment if NSAIDS (including indomethacin) and colchicine fail to deliver gout pain relief, or patients are unable to tolerate them because of other medical conditions. Corticosteroids are also more likely to be used if more than one joint is affected and for the elderly.

Corticosteroids work as anti inflammatory hormones. They are the strongest anti inflammatory medication but are used very cautiously. Prednisone is the most commonly prescribed corticosteroid for fast relief. Other prescribed steroids include prednisolone, triamcinolone, corticotrophin (ACTH).

Prednisone decreases gout pain and inflammation by halting the white blood cells’ (neutrophils) attack on the inflamed location. It usually works within a few hours. Only the lowest dosage of prednisone is used, and as infrequently as possible, because prednisone and other corticosteroids suppress the immune system.

Dosage Orally as a tablet. 20-60mg mg initially, followed by tapered down dosages. Or, in some cases, such as emergency gout pain relief, prednisone, triamcinolone or corticotrophin are injected into the attack site(s) if there are two or less. The dose is based on the size of the affected joint (s) and the extent of the inflammation.

Your doctor may prescribe prednisone tablets for emergency treatment when travelling. If you are taking corticosteroids, make sure you follow the doctor's instructions accurately, or any other gout drug for that matter.

Possible side effects include Colds and fevers; slow wound healing; increased levels of blood sugar; increased appetite and weight gain; poor sleep; heart failure; higher blood pressure, diarrhea; headache; nausea; and others. Side effects are very likely, the longer you take corticosteroids - one reason why they are are not long term treatment. Maximum is probably 30 days.

If you’re taking prednisone or any other corticosteroid, any noticed side effect should be immediately reported to your doctor.

Corticotrophin (ACTH) Corticotrophin may be used as an immediate treatment instead of prednisone or the others. Corticotrophin stimulates your body to produce corticosteroids. It may be beneficial for elderly patients, who can't take steroids.

Possible side effects include vomiting; appetite loss or increase; diarrhea; constipation; sleep disorders and others.

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