Colchicine

Drug Class:	Commonly Known As:	Category:
	Colcrys

Colchicine - What is it for

Colchicine is used for the treatment and prevention of gout flares, which is a condition that can cause pain, redness, and swelling in the joints (big toe, ankle, or knee). Gout is caused by too much uric acid when the body breaks down chemicals called purines. Hence, excess uric acid can build up in the joints and cause gout pain. In addition, gout can be affected by conditions, such as diabetes, poor kidney function, obesity, cancer, medications, or eating purine-rich food (alcohol, seafood, and other foods).

Colchicine - Side Effects, Precautions, and Contraindications

What side effects can Colchicine cause?

Common side effects include:

Stomach pain or cramp
Loose stools or diarrhoea
Nausea or vomiting

Take the medication with or after food to reduce nausea

Some rare but serious side effects of this medicine include:

Tingling or numbness in your fingers or toes
Unusual bleeding or bruises
Unexplained muscle pain or weakness
Dark-colored urine

The symptoms of a drug allergy include one or more of the following:

Swollen face/eyes/lips/tongue
Difficulty in breathing
Itchy skin rashes over your whole body

If you experience any of these symptoms, you should stop your medication and see your healthcare professional immediately.

Before taking Colchicine , what precautions must I follow?

Inform your healthcare professional if:

You are allergic to this medication or any of the other ingredients of this medication.
You have a history of

Liver condition
Kidney condition
Blood disorder

You are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding.
You are taking any other medications, including supplements, traditional medications and herbal remedies.

What food or medicine must I avoid when I take Colchicine ?

Avoid taking grapefruit or grapefruit juice while you are taking this medication as grapefruit might cause the amount of colchicine to increase in your body. Large amounts of colchicine can cause serious side effects.

Certain cholesterol-lowering, antibiotics, and hepatitis medications may cause the amount of colchicine to increase in your body that results in an increased risk of side effects.

Check with your healthcare professionals if you are taking any of the above medications.

Colchicine - Dosage and How to Use

How should Colchicine be used?

Take this medication once you get the symptoms of a gout attack.
Colchicine can be taken with or after food.
Do not take more doses than what your doctor recommends.

What should I do if I miss a dose?

If you are told by your doctor to take colchicine regularly and if you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember. Then take your next dose at the usual time. Do not take two doses to make up for the missed dose.