In phase 3 of gout, what medication is commonly prescribed to manage uric acid levels?

In phase 3 of gout, which is often characterized by chronic management of uric acid levels to prevent future attacks, the commonly prescribed medication is allopurinol. This drug works as a xanthine oxidase inhibitor, effectively reducing the production of uric acid in the body. By lowering uric acid levels, allopurinol helps prevent the formation of urate crystals, which can lead to painful inflammation and acute gout attacks.

While other medications such as ibuprofen, colchicine, and corticosteroids may be used in the management of acute gout attacks or for pain relief, they don't primarily focus on the long-term management of uric acid levels. Ibuprofen is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that can alleviate pain and inflammation during acute episodes. Colchicine is effective for acute pain relief and can be used to reduce the frequency of attacks, but it does not lower uric acid levels. Corticosteroids may also be provided for inflammation and pain management, particularly when NSAIDs are not suitable. Allopurinol, however, directly addresses the underlying problem of high uric acid levels in chronic gout management.