GENERIC NAME: colchicine
BRAND NAME: Colchicine
DRUG CLASS AND MECHANSIM: Colchicine is a medication
for acute
gout. In acute gouty, there is a marked inflammatory response
to the
presence of uric acid crystals, causing severe pain, redness
and swelling
of the affected joint(s). Colchicine is useful in suppressing
the
inflammation (arthritis) in acute gout.
PRESCRIPTION: yes
GENERIC AVAILABLE: yes
PREPARATIONS: Tablets: .5mg, .6mg. Colchicine can also
be given
intravenously.
STORAGE: Store at room temperature, sealed, light-
resistant
container.
PRESCRIBED FOR: Colchicine is used to treat acute
flares of
gouty arthritis and to prevent recurrent acute attacks. It is
also used to
treat the inflammation of pseudogout, and other uncommon
diseases, such as
familial Mediterranean fever, amyloidosis, and scleroderma.
DOSING: Should be taken with food.
DRUG INTERACTIONS: Colchicine can arrest cell division
and is
avoided in pregnancy because of possible adverse affects on
fetal growth.
For similar reasons, it is generally avoided in children.
Colchicine is
not habit forming.
PREGNANCY: Colchicine can arrest cell division and is
avoided in
pregnancy because of possible adverse affects on fetal growth.
SIDE EFFECTS: The most common side effects of
colchicine involve
the stomach and bowel and are dose related. These 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 seriously low white blood counts, thereby increasing
the risk
of infections. All patients taking colchicine long-term require
blood
count monitoring. Colchicine can also cause hair loss,
weakness, and nerve
irritation.
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From the Doctors at MedicineNet.com  |
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- Gout - Get information on gout treatments, causes, symptoms, and medication. Learn how altering your diet and avoiding alcohol and foods high in purines may reduce uric acid levels and prevent attacks and gout pain. Source:MedicineNet
- Scleroderma - Read about scleroderma (an autoimmune disease) symptoms, causes, diagnosis, treatment, facts and prognosis. Scleroderma may be diffuse or limited (CREST variant, in which Raynaud's phenomenon and calcinosis are skin complications). Source:MedicineNet
- Erythema Nodosum - Read about erythema nodosum, a skin inflammation that results in reddish, painful, tender lumps most commonly located in the front of the legs below the knees. Erythema nodosum can resolve on its own in 3 to 6 weeks, leaving a bruised area. Treatments include anti-inflammatory medications and cortisone by mouth or injection. Source:MedicineNet
- Read 21 more colchicine related articles ...
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Back to Medications IndexLast Editorial Review: 12/31/1997
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