From the FDA Drug Label
The FDA drug label does not answer the question.
From the Research
The treatment for pseudogout focuses on reducing inflammation and pain during acute attacks while preventing future episodes, with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like naproxen or indomethacin being typically first-line treatments for 7-10 days. For acute attacks, NSAIDs are the preferred initial treatment, with colchicine being an alternative for patients who cannot tolerate NSAIDs 1. Colchicine can be used at 0.6 mg once or twice daily, especially in patients who cannot tolerate NSAIDs. For severe cases or when oral medications aren't suitable, joint aspiration followed by intra-articular corticosteroid injection provides rapid relief. Systemic corticosteroids like prednisone may be necessary for polyarticular attacks.
Key Treatment Options
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like naproxen (500 mg twice daily) or indomethacin (25-50 mg three times daily) for 7-10 days
- Colchicine at 0.6 mg once or twice daily, especially in patients who cannot tolerate NSAIDs
- Joint aspiration followed by intra-articular corticosteroid injection for severe cases
- Systemic corticosteroids like prednisone (30-40 mg daily, tapered over 7-10 days) for polyarticular attacks
Long-term Management
For long-term management and prevention, low-dose colchicine (0.6 mg daily) may be used, as well as addressing underlying conditions like hyperparathyroidism or hemochromatosis that can contribute to calcium pyrophosphate crystal formation 2. Patients should maintain joint mobility through gentle exercise and physical therapy to preserve function. Unlike gout, there are no medications that reliably dissolve calcium pyrophosphate crystals, so treatment primarily manages symptoms rather than eliminating the underlying crystal deposits. The most recent study 2 supports the use of these treatment options for pseudogout, prioritizing the reduction of inflammation and pain, as well as the prevention of future episodes, to improve morbidity, mortality, and quality of life outcomes.