Colchicine is an alkaloid (a complex organic compound that contains nitrogen and have physiological effects on animals, including humans.) derived from the dried seeds of Colchicum autumnale, also known as the autumn crocus or meadow saffron.
Colchicine is used to treat gout attacks. It suppresses or reduces the inflammation brought about by the presence of uric acid crystals that are formed in the joints. Because of this mechanism, it stops the severe pain, redness and swelling caused by inflammation. Colchicine is not a painkiller, but it reduces the pain caused by gout.
Colchicine is used for treatment of Familial Mediterranean Fever on long-term basis to prevent fever and recurrent polyserositis. Colchicine is effective in preventing the amyloidosis in this condition. It is also used in Behcet's disease. Colchicine has been shown to be effective in the treatment of articular, cutaneous and mucosal symptoms as well as in the treatment of scleroderma and sarcoidosis.
What you need to tell and ask your doctor before taking the drug
- Tell your doctor if you had a past allergic reaction encountered with colchicines
- Tell your doctor if you are pregnant as Down's syndrome and spontaneous abortion have been reported when colchicine is taken during pregnancy.
- Tell your doctor or pharmacist of your medical history, especially kidney and liver problems because of possible fatal interactions that may occur.
- Ask your doctor about how soon you can repeat treatment with colchicine in case you have another gout attack.
- Tell your doctor if you’re taking drugs for familial Mediterranean fever, Behcet's disease, scleroderma and sarcoidosis and drugs such as itraconazole, ketoconazole, cyclosporine, ritonavir, clarithromycin, erythromycin, telithromycin, and verapamil. They may depress colchicine’s effect, affect the elimination of colchicine from your body or increase the risk of having serious side effects.
Proper administration and precautions of colchicine:
- Take this medication by mouth with or without food, exactly as directed by your doctor.
- This medication works best if you take it at the first sign of an attack.
- Taking more than the recommended dose may not increase this drug's effectiveness but may increase your risk of side effects.
- If you are taking colchicine regularly and have missed a dose, you can take it as soon as you remember. But if it is nearing the next dose, you can skip the missed dosage and just go back to the usual dosing schedule. Do not double the dosage to catch up the missed dose.
When to seek medical attention:
- Allergic reactions (hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat)
- severe vomiting or diarrhea
- muscle pain or weakness
- unusual bruising or bleeding
- numbness/tingling in your fingers or toes
- presence of any signs of infection
What to do in case of over-dosage:
Over dosage of colchicine may induce similar toxicity to that seen in acute poisoning which are: gastrointestinal symptoms (vomiting, diarrhoea), agranulocytosis, aplastic anaemia, myopathy
Food and beverages you need to avoid while taking colchicine
- Avoid eating grapefruit or drinking grapefruit juice while being treated with this medication unless your doctor instructs you otherwise. Grapefruit can increase the amount of certain medications in your bloodstream.
- Avoid drinking alcohol while taking colchicine, because it decreases its effectivity.
Taking drugs like colchicine for gout or any drugs for other condition needs special precautions and considerations. The dosage for every drug is based on your medical condition and your response to the treatment. It is not advisable to take colchicine or any other drug without visiting your doctor. It is best to tell your doctor everything about your condition so you will be given the right drug and the right dosage.
