Where is Colchicine used?
Colchicine is used to prevent and treat gout attacks or flares. Gout is caused by excessive uric acid in the blood. The uric acid may form hard crystals in your joints once uric acid levels in the blood are high.
This medication may also be used to prevent attacks of pain in the abdomen, joints, or chest. Those are caused by a certain inherited disease or familial Mediterranean fever.
Colchicine is in a class of medications called anti-gout agents. This medication has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Colchicine is supplied as a capsule for oral administration.
How does Colchicine work?
Colchicine interferes with the cycle of monosodium urate crystal deposition in joint tissues and the resultant inflammatory response that initiates. It also sustains an acute attack. It decreases leukocyte chemotaxis and phagocytosis. It inhibits the development and release of a chemotactic glycoprotein that is made during the phagocytosis of urate crystals. Colchicine also prevents urate crystal removal that is improved by a low pH in the tissues. It is perhaps by preventing subsequent lactic acid and oxidation of glucose production in leukocytes. Colchicine has no painkilling or antihyperuricemic activity. It prevents microtubule assembly in several cells, including leukocytes. It is perhaps by binding with the polymerization of the microtubule subunit tubulin. Even if several studies have found that this action perhaps does not contribute significantly to colchicine’s anti-gout action. The newest vitro study has made identified that it might be at least partly involved.
How is Colchicine taken?
The recommended dosage of Colchicine is based on your condition and response. The usual dose is 0.2 milligrams at the first sign of an attack, followed by 0.6 milligrams an hour later. The maximum dose is 1.8 milligrams taken over 1 hour. Take each capsule with a full glass of water. Each dose may be taken with or without food. Follow the prescription of your doctor carefully.
Do not take this medication more than the given dosage. It is also not recommended to suddenly stop taking this medication. Your doctor may gradually lessen your dose. It is important to inform your doctor if you often miss a dose. Keep in mind to not take two doses to make up for the missed dose.
What are the possible side effects of Colchicine?
- Nausea
- Cramping
- Vomiting
- Abdominal pain
- Diarrhea
What are the precautions in taking Colchicine?
- You should not share this or any of your medications with others who have the same symptoms as yours.
- Keep all your appointments with your doctor to check your progress.
- You should not drink grapefruit juice while you are on this treatment. Grapefruit juice increases the risk that you will experience certain side effects.
- Inform your doctor if you have any allergies, medical history, or current medications.
- Before you start taking this drug, let your doctor know if you are breastfeeding or pregnant. Stop taking a dose of this medicine if you become pregnant while having treatment.
- Keep this away from heat or moisture.
