Which are the best Pain-Killers for Gout Relief?

This study compared the effectiveness of several NSAIDs.

A single-blind, randomized, controlled trial to assess the efficacy and tolerability of rofecoxib, diclofenac sodium, and meloxicam in patients with acute gouty arthritis.

Cheng TT, Lai HM, Chiu CK, Chem YC.

Section of Allergy, Immunology and Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taiwan, Republic of China. tiantsai@ms2.hinet.net

BACKGROUND: Acute attacks of gouty arthritis are characterized by the rapid onset of severe pain, swelling, and erythema of the affected joint. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are considered the drugs of first choice for treating acute gout. Rofecoxib is a specific cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitor, which has demonstrated analgesic efficacy in the setting of acute pain. Whether it is effective in the treatment of acute gouty arthritis remains to be evaluated.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy and tolerability of rofecoxib compared with diclofenac sodium sustained release (SR) and meloxicam in the treatment of acute gouty arthritis.

CONCLUSIONS: In this study of patients with acute gouty arthritis, rofecoxib 50 mg once daily provided more effective treatment than diclofenac sodium SR 150 mg and meloxicam 15 mg administered orally once daily for 7 days in > or = 1 efficacy assessment of overall analgesic effect on day 3 or day 8. Rofecoxib achieved a rapid onset of pain relief, demonstrating significant improvement 30 minutes after dosing. All of the regimens appeared well tolerated in the population studied.

Study link: gout relief study.