Generic Name:Colcrys,Colchicine 0.5mg
Brand names None
Used in the following combined preparations None
GENERAL INFORMATION
Colchicine, a drug originally extracted from the autumn crocus flower and later synthesized, has been used since the 18th century for gout.
Although it has now, to some extent, been superseded by newer drugs, it is still often used to relieve joint pain and inflammation in flare-ups of gout.
Colchicine is most effective when taken at the first sign of symptoms, and almost always produces an improvement. The drug is also often given during the first few months of treatment with allopurinol or probenecid (other drugs used for treating gout), because these may at first increase the frequency of gout attacks.
Colchicine is occasionally prescribed for the relief of the symptoms of familial Mediterranean fever (a rare congenital condition).
QUICK REFERENCE
Drug group Drug for gout
Overdose danger rating High
Dependence rating Low
Prescription needed Yes
Available as generic Yes
INFORMATION FOR USERS
Your drug prescription is tailored for you. Do not alter dosage without checking with your doctor.
How taken
Tablets.
Frequency and timing of doses
prevention of gout attacks 2-3 x daily. Relief of gout attacks Every 2-3 hours.
Adult dosage range
Prevention of gout attacks 1 -1.5mg daily. Relief of gout attacks 1mg initially, followed by 0.5mg every 2-3 hours, until relief of pain, vomiting, or diarrhoea occurs, or until a total dose of 10mg is reached. This course must not be repeated within 3 days.
Onset of effect
Relief of symptoms in an attack of gout may be felt in 6-24 hours. Full effect in gout prevention may not be felt for several days.
Duration of action
Up to 2 hours. Some effect may last longer. Diet advice
Certain foods are known to make gout worse. Discuss with your doctor.
Storage
Keep in a closed container in a cool, dry place out of the reach of children.
Protect from light.
Missed dose
Take as soon as you remember. If your next dose is due within 30 minutes, take a single dose now and skip the next.
Stopping the drug
When taking colchicine frequently during an acute attack of gout, stop if diarrhoea or abdominal pain develop. In other cases, do not stop without consulting your doctor.
OVERDOSE ACTION
Seek immediate medical advice in all cases; some reactions can be fatal. Take emergency action if severe nausea, vomiting, bloody diarrhoea, severe abdominal pain, or loss of consciousness occur.
See Drug poisoning emergency guide.
POSSIBLE ADVERSE EFFECTS
The appearance of any symptom that may be should stop the drug until you have received an adverse effect of the drug is a sign that you further medical advice.
INTERACTIONS
Cyclosporin Taking cyclosporin with colchicine may lead to adverse effects on the kidneys.
SPECIAL PRECAUTIONS
Be sure to tell your doctor if:
You have long-term liver or kidney problems.
You have heart problems.
You have a blood disorder.
You have stomach ulcers.
You have chronic inflammation of the bowel.
You are taking other medications.
Pregnancy
Not usually prescribed. May cause defects in the unborn baby. Discuss with your doctor.
Breast-feeding
The drug passes into the breast milk and may affect the baby. Discuss with your doctor.
Infants and children
Not recommended.
Over 60
Increased likelihood of adverse effects.
Driving and hazardous work
No special problems.
Alcohol
Avoid. Alcohol may increase stomach irritation caused by colchicine.
PROLONGED USE
Prolonged use of this drug may lead to hair loss, rashes, tingling in the hands and feet, muscle pain and weakness, and blood disorders.
Monitoring Periodic blood checks are usually required.
