Drug Name: Colchicine
Brand Names: Colchicine
Generic Name: Colchicine
Uses: Colchicine is used for the treatment of rheumatic attacks and most especially gouts. An attack happens when a high level of uric acid in the body will lead to an inflammation in a joint. This may be characterized by pain, redness, swelling and heat. Colchicine will not treat the condition of gout itself and lower the level of uric acid in the body. It only serves as pain relievers in an event of an attack.
How to use: Colchicine comes in tablets. These may either be taken as a long-term medication or taken in large dosage only during an attack for relief. Long-term medication may take months or even years. This would prevent the occurrence of severe attacks and other problems that may cause the inflammation. The shorter treatment may only involve a few hours of medication until the pain is relieved. Each dose must be taken with a full glass of water. Parenteral forms or injections are also available.
Side Effects: Colchicine build up in the body can happen and this can lead to serious side effects. It is important to stick with the doctor’s prescriptions and not to exceed the prescribed dosage. The possible side effects of Colchicine are difficulty in breathing, closing of the throat, swelling of the lips, tongue or face, fever, rash and numbness or tingling.
Precautions: Inform your doctor of any other conditions that you have before undergoing treatment. These conditions may have a certain effect on the drug and may also affect you. These conditions include intestinal disease, stomach, ulcer or other stomach problems, heart, kidney or liver disease and low white blood cell count or low platelet count. Elderly patients are more sensitive to colchicine and the drug tends to stay longer in the body. The risk of developing side effects is higher for them. It is best that caution be followed during the treatment.
Drug Interaction: Some medications may interact with Colchicine and may increase, decrease or alter the effectiveness of the drug. It is important to inform your doctor if you are taking any other medications before taking Colchicine. These include antineoplastocs, antithyroid agents, azathioporine, chloramphenicol, cyclophosphamide, flucystosine, interferon, methotrexate, plicamycin and zidovudine among others.
Overdose: Nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, diarrhea, muscle weakness, burning in the throat, stomach or skin, difficulty in breathing, delirium and seizures are some of the symptoms that are evident in Cholchicine oerdose. Get immediate medical attention if you suspect an overdose.
Notes: Alcohol should be avoided during treatment as this may lead to an increase in uric levels and lessen the effects of colchicines.
Missed Dose: If you take colchicine regularly and you missed a dose, take it as soon as you have remembered. If however it is almost time for the next one, just skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule. Never double up your doses.
Important Note: For a long-term treatment, regular tests are necessary. This is to check the patient’s progress and to check for any possible side effects. Keep all your doctor’s appointments and laboratory schedules for better monitoring.
Storage: Colchicine should be kept away from heat and direct light and should be stored at room temperature. Do not store them inside the bathroom, near the kitchen sink or other damp places.
Additional Colchicine information:
Colchicine information on Drug and Pharmacy Reviews
Medline Plus’s detailed description on Colchicine
