Colchicine

Colchicine General Information

Generic Name: colchicine

Colchicine is a drug for treating acute gouty arthritis In acute gouty arthritis there is severe inflammation due to the presence of uric acidthat form in the joints. As a result there is severe pain, redness and swelling of affected joints. Colchicine is useful in suppressing the inflammation in acute gouty arthritis during flare-ups. It is also used to prevent recurring acute arthritis attacks.

Colchicine Uses

Colchicine is used to treat as well as prevent gout. Colchicines should be taken with food. The recommended dose for a acute attack is 0.6 to 1.2 mg. The dose may be repeated at every 1-2 hours till the symptoms are controlled. Total dose needed to control acute attacks is 4 to 8 mg. Normally, pain and swelling subsides within 12 hours and resolves within 24 hours. To prevent any future recurrences, 0.6mgof Colchicines may be administered every dayor every 3-4 days depending upon the frequency of attacks.

How Take Colchicine

One must start taking this medication at the first sign of attack, to effectively combat and control a gout attack. The Colchicine may be taken by mouth regularly or only for acute gout attacks as directed by the doctor.

Colchicine Warnings

Before using the medication, the patient should tell the doctor, his medical history especially of kidney and heart diseases, stomach or intestinal problems, any drug allergies, bleeding disorders. One must limit alcohol consumption since it can decrease the effectiveness of this drug. Before undergoing any surgery including dental surgery, the concerned doctor /surgeon should be told that the patient is taking Colchicine. During this medication period, any urine test required to be taken for any reason whatsoever, the doctor should be told that the patient is taking Colchicine which may affect the urine test results. Colchicine is not recommended during pregnancy. So, doctor should be consulted before using the drug. Colchicine gets excreted into the breast milk. Doctor's advice will be needed to resort to breast feeding during the treatment period. Before using the drug, the doctor should be told about all prescription and non-prescription medicines that one may be taking. One should not start or stop any medicine without the knowledge of the doctor or pharmacist.

Colchicine Missed Dose

Missed dose should be taken as soon as remembered. If it is almost time for the next dose, the missed dose may be skipped and the next schedule dose must be taken at the schedule time. No extra dose to be taken to “double-up” the dose to catch up.

Colchicine Side Effects

The doctor should be notified in case the following symptoms are experienced. The most common side effects of Colchicine is dose related and include nausea, vomiting, abdorninal pain and diarrhea. The most worrisome side effect of Colchicine is that it can damage the bone marrow causing severe anemia and low white blood count. Reduced white blood cell counts can increase the risk of infection That is why all who are taking Colchicinelong term require blood count monitoring. Colchicine may also cause hair loss, weakness and nerve irritation, yellowing of eyes or skin, sore throat, muscle aches, numbness of legs and arms, fatigue, rash, itchy skin. There may be other symptoms also which are not listed here but you have noticed which may be referred to the doctor or pharmacist.

Colchicine Storage Advice

Colchicine should be stored at room temperature between 59 and 86 degrees F (between 15 to 30 degrees C) and away from moisture and sunlight. Not to be stored in bathroom.

Colchicine Overdose

If overdose of Colchicine is suspected, local poison control center and /or emergency room should be contacted. US citizens may directly call the US national poison hotline. Symptoms of overdose include nausea, vomiting, muscle weakness, stomach pain, burning pain in throat, stomach, and skin.

Colchicine More Information

Colchicine relieves pain but that pain which is associated with gout only. It will not relieve any other pain. No one should be allowed to take this medication. More information about Colchicine can be obtained from the pharmacist preferably who is attached to the patient. Medicines should always be kept away from the children; never share the medicines with others, and use the medication only for the indication prescribed. Every effort has been made that the information provided is correct, up- to- date and complete.