20 Min 
In CPD Modules
CPD modules help to expand your clinical knowledge on a whole range of topics. Make sure you log your learning so you can track your progress and add to your online revalidation record.
Bookmark
This module covers medicines used in the management of gout. It discusses how to approach consultations with patients newly prescribed medication for gout, focusing on colchicine, allopurinol and febuxostat.
Key facts
- Pharmacological management options for gout are split between treating the symptoms of an acute attack and trying to prevent future episodes. Colchicine and NSAIDs are predominantly used for the former, and allopurinol and febuxostat for the latter
- Colchicine has a narrow therapeutic index so careful dosing must be followed. The anti-inflammatory also has a significant number of interactions and side-effects, some of which may be sufficiently debilitating as to limit adherence
- Allopurinol and febuxostat are prescribed using a treat-to-target strategy, which involves regular serum urate testing. There are some significant cautions, contraindications and side-effects associated with both drugs.
Contributing author: Asha Fowells, MRPharmS MFRPSII, clinical pharmacy writer