What is the mechanism of action of colchicine in the treatment of gouty arthritis?

Selective inhibitor of microtubule and spindle formation in macrophages and leukocytes. Also inhibits chemotaxis. ↓Leukocyte metabolism & lactic acid production & ↑pH

What are the indications for colchicine’s use, its side-effects and dose? Especially ensure that you know precisely how colchicine must be used during an acute gout attack

Indication: acute gout in patients intolerant to NSAIDs and inflammation.

Side Effects: GIT, gastric bleeding, liver & kidney damage, bone marrow suppression, peripheral neuritis, alopecia

Dose: 0.5-1 mg

Which other drugs can be used for the treatment of an acute gout attack?

Acute Gout:

NSAID's: Indomethacin, Diclofenac, Piroxicam, Naproxen

Spindle poison: Colchicine

Glucocorticoids: Betamethasone, Prednisone

Chronic Gout:

Uric acid synthesis inhibitors: Allopurinol

Uricosuric drugs: Probenecid, Sulfinpyrazone

Urine alkalizers: Citro-soda

To which group of drugs does probenecid belong?  How does this group of drugs act?

Uricosuric drugs. They Compete with uric acid for reabsorption in proximal tubule in kidney. At low concentration these drugs compete with uric acid for secretion out of tubule and increase initial [uric acid].

How does allopurinol act; what are its indications, precautions and important interactions?

MOA: Irreversible inhibitors of Xanthine oxidase, which decreases uric acid production.

Indications: Chronic gout

Precautions: Use as prescribed by doctor. Do not use more than indicated, do not use longer than indicated. This will increase the side effects. Use after meals to prevent stomach problems. Do not use when all symptoms of gout attack is gone. Do not use with NSAIDs and patients with impaired renal function should avoid it.

Important Interactions: azathioprine, benazepril, captopril, didanosine, dyphylline, enalapril, perindopril, protamine.