Pharmacy Author: Omudhome Ogbru, PharmD
Medical and Pharmacy Editor: Jay W. Marks, MD
GENERIC NAME: colchicine
BRAND NAME: none
DRUG CLASS AND MECHANSIM: Colchicine is a drug for treating acute gouty arthritis. In acute gouty arthritis there is severe inflammation in response to the presence of uric acid crystals that form in the boney joints. This causes severe pain, redness, and swelling of affected joint(s). Colchicine is useful in suppressing the inflammation in acute gouty arthritis. The exact mechanism of action of colchicine is not known. It may involve reduction in uric acid deposition leading to a reduction in the inflammatory response. Colchicine is not an analgesic (pain killer), but it reduces pain in acute gouty arthritis. The FDA approved colchicine in September 1977.
PRESCRIPTION: Yes
GENERIC AVAILABLE: Yes
PREPARATIONS: Tablets: 0.6mg
STORAGE: Colchicine should be stored below 86 F (30 C).
PRESCRIBED FOR: Colchicine is used to treat acute flares of gouty arthritis and to prevent recurrent acute attacks. It also is used to treat the inflammation of pseudogout, and other uncommon diseases, such as familial Mediterranean fever, amyloidosis, and scleroderma; however, these are unapproved uses of colchicine, and there are few data to support colchicine's effectiveness for treating these diseases.
DOSING: Colchicine should be taken with food. The recommended dose for an acute attack is 0.6-1.2 mg. The dose may be repeated every 1-2 hours until symptoms are controlled. The total dose needed to control acute attacks is 4-8 mg. Pain and swelling subside within 12 hours and resolves within 24-48 hours. To prevent attacks, 0.6 mg may be administered daily or every 3-4 days depending on the frequency of attacks.
DRUG INTERACTIONS: Erythromycin and clarithromycin (Biaxin) may increase blood levels of colchicine by reducing the metabolism of colchicine. This may increase side effects from colchicine.
PREGNANCY: Colchicine can arrest cell division and is avoided in pregnancy because of possible adverse affects on fetal growth; however, there are no adequate studies in pregnant women.
NURSING MOTHERS: It is not known if colchicine is secreted in breast milk.
SIDE EFFECTS: The most common side effects of colchicine are dose related and include nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. One of the most worrisome side effects of colchicine is that it can damage the bone marrow causing severe anemia and low white blood counts. Reduced white blood cell counts can increases the risk of infections. All patients taking colchicine long-term require blood count monitoring. Colchicine can also cause hair loss, weakness, and nerve irritation.
Last Editorial Review: 9/8/2008
Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
- Gout - Gout and hyperuricemia are caused by uric acid crystals building up in the body. Read how diet changes--avoiding alcohol and high purine foods--prevent painful attacks and gout pain.
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