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Contents
Common use
Colchicine is an anti-inflammatory medication used to treat acute gout attacks and prevent recurrent flares in people with chronic gout. It may also be prescribed for familial Mediterranean fever (FMF), a genetic autoinflammatory disorder.
The drug works by reducing the response of white blood cells to uric acid crystals, thereby lowering inflammation and pain.
Dosage and direction
Follow your doctor's instructions strictly. For gout attacks, a common dose is 1.2 mg initially, followed by 0.6 mg after 1 hour. For long-term prevention, lower daily doses are used (e.g., 0.6 mg once or twice per day).
Take with or without food. Drink a full glass of water and avoid grapefruit juice, which can increase side effects.
Do not exceed recommended doses, as colchicine has a narrow therapeutic window.
Precautions
Tell your doctor if you have:
Kidney or liver problems
Gastrointestinal issues
Blood disorders
Elderly people and those with preexisting conditions may be more prone to side effects.
Use caution if you are pregnant or breastfeading. This drug can be harmful if used inappropriately.
Contraindications
Do not use colchicine if you:
Are allergic to it
Have severe liver or kidney disease
Are using strong CYP3A4 inhibitors or P-glycoprotein inhibitors
These combinations can increase toxicity levels in the body.
Possible side effects
Common side effects include:
Nausea
Vomiting
Diarhea
Stomach pain
Serious effects (rare but possible):
Muscle pain or weakness
Numbness or tingling
Unusual bleeding or bruising
Signs of infection (e.g., fever, sore throat)
Seek medical help right away if you experience any of these.
Drug interactions
Colchicine may interact dangerously with:
Clarithromycin and erythromycin
Ketoconazole and itraconazole
Cyclosporine
Statins (may increase risk of muscle problems)
Tell your doctor about all prescription, non-prescription, and herbal products you are taking.
Missed dose
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed one. Do not double the dose to catch up.
Overdose
Colchicine overdose is serious and can be fatal. Symptoms include severe vomiting, bloody diarrhea, muscle weakness, and difficulty breathing. Seek emergncy help immediately.
Storage
Store at room temperature (68F-77F or 20C-25C), away from light and moisture. Keep tightly closed and out of reach of children and pets.
U.S. Sale and Prescription Policy
Colchicine is a prescription-only medication in the United States and is FDA-approved for treating gout and FMF.
It cannot legally be purchased or used without a valid prescription. Misuse or overuse can lead to life-threatening complications.
Always obtain colchicine through licensed U.S. pharmacies and use it under supervision of a qualified healthcare provider.
Disclaimer
This information is for educational purposes only and does not substitute for medical advice. Always consult your doctor before starting, stopping, or changing any medication regimen.