Generic name

Brand name

Dosage

Side-effects

Comments

allopurinol

Zyloprim, Lopurin

100 mg up to 300 mg once daily

The most important side-effect is skin rash or hives which can actually be a severe type reaction, may also have GI side-effects with nausea

The patient's acute gouty flare-up should be quieted down before the patient starts on allopurinol, otherwise it will actually extend the duration of the acute attack.  When allopurinol is started, there is a chance it may also provoke acute attacks unless it is used in conjunction with colchicine or NSAIDS for the first three to six months.  It may increase the blood levels of Imuran (azathioprine) or 6-MP and thus needs to be used in caution with these medications

colchicine

None.  Just available as the generic form

.6 mg usually given once or twice daily

GI side-effects with diarrhea, abdominal cramping, nausea, vomiting

This is an effective medication for the acute episode of gout.  It may be used when one is starting allopurinol to prevent acute attacks of gout while the allopurinol is lowering the uric acid level

probenecid plus colchicine

Colbenemid

500 mg of probenecid plus 0.5 mg of colchicine once or twice daily

GI side-effects with nausea or vomiting or diarrhea, also rash

This is an alternative way of lowering the uric acid in an individual who is allergic to allopurinol.  This enhances the excretion of uric acid through the kidney into the urine.  It is important to know that the patient does not have an excess amount of uric acid in the urine prior to starting this medication and then the physician needs to monitor the levels of urinary uric acid excretion while on treatment