What is the recommended chronic treatment for gout?

The recommended chronic treatment for gout is allopurinol, which is a xanthine oxidase inhibitor. This medication works by reducing uric acid production in the body, helping to maintain lower levels of uric acid and thereby preventing the formation of urate crystals that can lead to gout flares. Long-term management of gout focuses on managing hyperuricemia (elevated uric acid levels) to prevent future acute attacks and to reduce the risk of gout-related complications, such as tophi formation and joint damage.

In contrast, ibuprofen is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that is utilized for acute attacks to alleviate pain and inflammation but is not recommended for chronic management. Corticosteroids may also be used to manage acute flare-ups or inflammation but are not a primary choice for ongoing treatment. Colchicine can be effective in treating acute episodes of gout but is not advisable for routine chronic therapy due to side effects and toxicity at chronic doses. Thus, allopurinol stands out as the mainstay of chronic gout management.