Colchicine
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Drug Status
Government Approvals
US(FDA), UK(BNF)
WHO Essential Medicine
YES
Known Teratogen
NO
Pharmaceutical Class
Alkaloid
Controlled Drug Substance
NO
Colchicine
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Click HereSummary
Colchicine is primarily used to prevent and treat gout flares, which cause sudden joint pain, redness, and swelling. It is also used to treat Familial Mediterranean Fever (FMF), a disease causing episodes of fever, abdominal pain, and joint pain. Additionally, it can manage pericarditis, reducing symptoms and recurrence.
Colchicine works by reducing inflammation. It inhibits the movement of white blood cells to inflamed areas, preventing the release of substances that cause swelling and pain. In gout, it helps reduce inflammation caused by uric acid crystals in the joints. It also stabilizes the body's immune response, helping in conditions like FMF.
Colchicine is taken by mouth, with or without food. Adults can take 1.2 to 2.4 mg daily. The dose can be increased by 0.3 mg each day to a maximum of 2.4 mg, or decreased by 0.3 mg each day if side effects occur. The total daily dose can be taken in one or two parts.
Common side effects of Colchicine include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. More severe effects can include muscle weakness, nerve damage, liver problems, and bone marrow suppression. Rarely, it can cause severe kidney damage or respiratory issues. Overdose can lead to serious complications including organ failure.
Colchicine carries a risk of toxicity, especially at high doses or when used with certain medications like statins or cyclosporine. It should not be used by people with severe kidney or liver disease. It also requires caution in those with gastrointestinal disorders. Pregnant or breastfeeding women should consult a doctor, as its safety during these periods is not well established.
Indications and Purpose
How does Colchicine work?
Colchicine works by reducing inflammation in the body. It inhibits the movement of white blood cells to areas of inflammation, preventing the release of substances that cause swelling and pain. In gout, it helps to reduce the inflammation caused by uric acid crystals in the joints. Colchicine also stabilizes the body's immune response, which helps in conditions like Familial Mediterranean Fever.
How does one know if Colchicine is working?
The benefit of colchicine is evaluated by monitoring symptom relief, such as reduced pain, swelling, and inflammation during acute gout attacks. For chronic conditions like gout prevention or Familial Mediterranean Fever (FMF), doctors assess the frequency of flare-ups and overall disease management. In conditions like pericarditis, the recurrence of symptoms and inflammation is tracked through clinical evaluations and imaging tests.
Is Colchicine effective?
Clinical studies have shown that colchicine effectively reduces inflammation during acute gout attacks, with patients experiencing pain relief within 12 to 24 hours. It also helps prevent future gout flare-ups when used long-term. For Familial Mediterranean Fever (FMF), colchicine reduces the frequency and severity of episodes. Evidence from trials supports its role in managing pericarditis, reducing recurrence rates.
What is Colchicine?
Colchicine tablets are a medicine used to help prevent and treat gout flares, which is a condition that causes sudden pain, redness, and swelling in the joints. It also helps treat familial Mediterranean fever (FMF), a disease that causes episodes of fever, abdominal pain, and joint pain. Colchicine works by reducing inflammation in the body.
What is Colchicine used for?
Colchicine is used to treat acute gout attacks and prevent future flare-ups. It is also indicated for Familial Mediterranean Fever (FMF), reducing inflammation and fever. Additionally, colchicine is used in the treatment of pericarditis to reduce symptoms and prevent recurrence. It may be used for other inflammatory conditions, though it's not always a first-line treatment.
Directions for Use
For how long do I take Colchicine?
Colchicine is usually taken for 3-5 days to treat a gout flare-up. You start with a higher dose, then take a lower dose. For preventing gout, a smaller dose is taken every day or every other day for a long time.
How do I take Colchicine?
Colchicine can be taken with or without food. However, taking it with food may help reduce stomach upset. It's important to follow your doctor's instructions regarding dosage and timing. People taking colchicine should avoid grapefruit and grapefruit juice, as they can increase the risk of side effects by affecting how the body processes the drug. Always adhere to the prescribed dose to avoid toxicity.
How long does it take for Colchicine to start working?
Colchicine typically starts to work within 12 to 24 hours for acute gout attacks, helping to reduce inflammation and pain. For chronic conditions like gout prevention, it may take a few days to weeks for full effects. The timing can vary depending on the individual and the condition being treated.
How should I store Colchicine?
Colchicine should be stored at room temperature (68°F to 77°F or 20°C to 25°C), away from excess heat, moisture, and light. It should be kept in its original packaging to protect it from moisture. Do not store colchicine in the bathroom or near the sink. Keep it out of reach of children and properly dispose of expired or unused medication.
Warnings and Precautions
Can Colchicine be taken safely while breastfeeding?
Colchicine is excreted in breast milk, and its safety during breastfeeding is not well established. Although it is generally advised to avoid colchicine while breastfeeding due to potential risks to the infant, a healthcare provider may weigh the benefits against risks. It is important to consult a doctor to determine if alternative treatments are needed while breastfeeding.
Can Colchicine be taken safely while pregnant?
Colchicine is not recommended during pregnancy, as it can potentially harm the fetus. Animal studies have shown risks, including birth defects and developmental issues. Although human studies are limited, colchicine is considered a Category C drug, meaning its safety during pregnancy is not established. Pregnant women should consult a doctor before using colchicine to explore safer alternatives.
Can I take Colchicine with other prescription drugs?
Colchicine interacts with several prescription drugs, including statins (increasing muscle damage risk), cyclosporine (raising colchicine levels), antifungals (e.g., ketoconazole), and macrolide antibiotics (e.g., clarithromycin), which can increase toxicity. Cimetidine also raises colchicine levels. Always consult a healthcare provider before combining colchicine with other medications to prevent harmful interactions and ensure safe usage.
Can I take Colchicine with vitamins or supplements?
Colchicine can interact with certain vitamins and supplements, especially grapefruit and grapefruit juice, which can increase colchicine levels and the risk of toxicity. It may also interact with vitamin B12 and other supplements that affect the gastrointestinal system. People taking colchicine should consult a healthcare provider before using any new supplements or vitamins to avoid potential interactions.
Is Colchicine safe for the elderly?
Older adults with gout should be careful when choosing a treatment dose. Their kidneys may not work as well as younger people's, and they may have other health problems that can affect how the medication works. Because older adults weren't included in enough studies, it's not clear if they react differently to gout medication than younger patients.
Who should avoid taking Colchicine?
Important warnings for colchicine include the risk of toxicity, especially at high doses or when used with certain medications like statins or cyclosporine. It should not be used in people with severe kidney or liver disease. Caution is needed for those with gastrointestinal disorders. Pregnant or breastfeeding women should consult a doctor, as colchicine may not be safe during these periods.
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