Colchicine is a prescription drug that is primarily used to prevent gout flare-ups, and to a lesser extent, familial Mediterranean fever or FMF, in adults and children 4 years of age and older. Gout is caused by a buildup of abnormally high levels of uric acid in the blood and results in sudden pain in specific joints, most often in the big toe, ankle, or knee. FMF is an inborn condition that results in periods of pain, fever, and swelling of the stomach, lungs, and joints. Colchicine is effective at lessening the buildup of uric acid crystals and reducing swelling in the affected joints. It is important to note that Colchicine is not a general pain reliever, and will not relieve pain that is unassociated with either gout or FMF. It should not be used in such a manner.

Dosage and Direction

Colchicine is generally prescribed to patients in the form of a tablet for treatment. The tablets will likely be prescribed to patients in a predetermined amount that was chosen specifically by your medical provider. Using the tablets as directed and in the correct dosage will result in the best treatment.

 

When used as a prophylactic, for either gout or FMF, Colchicine is often taken once or twice daily, by mouth, either with or without food. When Colchicine is taken to relieve the pain of a gout attack or flare, it is generally taken at the first sign of gout pain, and a second, smaller dose is taken approximately an hour later.

Precautions

Ensure that you communicate openly with your doctor about any allergies or sensitivities you may have to Colchicine or the components in Colchicine. Your doctor can provide you with a list of ingredients. There are also health issues that may preclude you from being able to safely take Colchicine, make sure to tell your doctor if any of the following apply to you:

• Kidney disease
• Liver disease
• Pregnancy
• Currently breastfeeding

Contraindications and Interactions

There are some drugs that will interfere with the effectiveness of Colchicine or may prevent it from being fully metabolized and removed from your body. Let your doctor know about any other medications you are taking, including any of the following:

• Antifungals such as ketoconazole or itraconazole
• Diltiazem
• HIV medications such as ritonavir
• Macrolide antibiotics such as clarithromycin or erythromycin

Possible Side Effects

As with any prescription medication, there is the risk of some side effects when taking Colchicine, some more serious than others. These side effects include:

• Nausea
• Diarrhea
• Cramps
• Pain in the abdomen
• Vomiting

If these last for more than a short time, or begin and subsequently get worse, contact your doctor.

 

There are also more serious side effects that may indicate other issues, if you experience any of the following conditions, whether slight or severe, stop taking the medication and get medical attention immediately:

• Unusual bleeding or bruising
• Muscle weakness
• Numbness or tingling in your fingers or toes
• Loss of color in lips, tongue, or palms
• Signs of infection like sore throat, fever, chills, that do not go away
• Unusual fatigue or tiredness
• Fast heartbeat

 

Serious allergic reactions with Colchicine are quite rare but do occur. If you experience any of the following, seek medical help immediately:

• Rash
• Itching or swelling of the face, tongue, or throat
• Severe dizziness
• Trouble breathing

Overdose

In the event of an overdose, get to the nearest hospital emergency room immediately. An overdose of Colchicine can be fatal.

Symptoms Of An Overdose Include:

• Slowed or difficult breathing
• Slowed heartbeat
• Loss of consciousness

Storage

Keep Colchicine in the container it came in, closed tightly, and away from light, heat, and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom.

 

Disclaimer

We provide only general information about medications which does not cover all directions, possible drug integrations, or precautions. Information at the site cannot be used for self-treatment and self-diagnosis. Any specific instructions for a particular patient should be agreed with your health care adviser or doctor in charge of the case. We disclaim reliability of this information and mistakes it could contain. We are not responsible for any direct, indirect, special or other indirect damage as a result of any use of the information on this site and also for consequences of self-treatment.