Indications: acute gout; short-term prophylaxis during initial therapy with allopurinol and uricosuric drugs; prophylaxis of familial Mediterranean fever (recurrent polyserositis)

Cautions: elderly; gastro-intestinal disease; cardiac disease

Contra-indications: blood disorders, pregnancy (teratogenicity)

Side Effects: nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain; excessive doses may cause profuse diarrhoea, gastro- intestinal haemorrhage, rash, renal and hepatic damage dry mouth, nausea, gastro-intestinal disturbance, altered liver enzymes, hypotension, drowsiness, fatigue, dizziness.

Dose: Acute gout, 500 micrograms 2–4 times daily until symptoms relieved, max. 6 mg per course; course not to be repeated within 3 days Prevention of gout attacks during initial treatment with allopurinol or uricosuric drugs, 500 micrograms twice daily. Prophylaxis of familial Mediterranean fever [unlicensed], 0.5–2 mg once daily.