Colchicine

Colchicine is a medication for gout, a condition that affects the joints and which is caused by too much uric acid in the blood. Uric acid forms crystals in the fluid surrounding the joints, leading to redness, stiffness and pain. Colchicine reduces inflammation, which helps ease the symptoms.

Colchicine is a medication for gout, a condition that affects the joints and which is caused by too much uric acid in the blood. Uric acid forms crystals in the fluid surrounding the joints, leading to redness, stiffness and pain. Colchicine reduces inflammation, which helps ease the symptoms.

Colchicine is used to treat acute gout attacks and to help prevent gout in patients who are prescribed acid-reducing medications.

Patients are commonly prescribed a short course of Colchicine tablets for an acute gout attack. For best results, it is important to take the medicine as quickly as possible. If you have been prescribed Colchicine tablets to prevent future attacks of gout, you will need to stay on the medication for a longer period of time.

One Colchicine tablet contains 0.5 mg of colchicine. Unless otherwise prescribed by your doctor, the usual dose in adults is one Colchicine tablet, two to three times a day for acute gout attacks, and one Colchicine tablet, once or twice a day to prevent gout attacks. The duration of the treatment is decided by your doctor. It is important not to exceed the prescribed dose. If you have forgotten to take a dose of Colchicine, you may take the missed dose unless it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Never take a double dose of Colchicine to make up for the forgotten tablet. Colchicine tablets can cause major health problems if taken in too high a dose.

Colchicine for gout may cause side effects. The most commonly noted side effects associated with Colchicine tablets include skin irritation (itching, rash), and gastrointestinal symptoms such as stomach-ache, nausea and vomiting. Consult your doctor if you have these symptoms

Note: Colchicine for gout is toxic when taken in too high doses. Consult your doctor immediately if you develop any of the following signs of poisoning: burning sensation in the throat, bloody diarrhoea, stomach-ache or nausea. See package leaflet for more side effects, warnings and contraindications.

Colchicine for gout is harmful to the health of your unborn or newborn baby. Do not take Colchicine tablets if you are pregnant, planning to get pregnant or breastfeeding. Do not have grapefruit or grapefruit juice while taking Colchicine tablets as grapefruit is known to intensify the effects of this medicine. Alcohol increases the production of uric acid, which may precipitate a gout attack. It is therefore advisable to reduce or stop your alcohol consumption while taking Colchicine for gout. Colchicine tablets do not affect your ability to drive.