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Colchicine

Colchicine

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Colchicine is a medicine that is used to treat a gout attack. It works quickly and efficiently to relieve symptoms of an outbreak within a short period. Colchicine tablets neutralise the uric acid crystals that create gout flare-ups. Once the inflammation reduces, you'll feel less pain, making it easier to move around.

Gout
Chronic Conditions
Price
£17.99

Colchicine

Strength: 500mcg

Pack Size: 12

£17.99

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Colchicine is a medication used in acute flare-ups of gout. Colchicine blocks the inflammatory processes, preventing inflammation and reducing pain associated with gout.

The primary advantage of colchicine tablets is that they can neutralise the uric acid crystals that create gout flare-ups. Once the inflammation reduces, you'll feel less pain, making it easier to move around.

Colchicine tablets will reduce your gout symptoms and make the condition more manageable.

When to Use Colchicine Tablets?

Colchicine is a highly effective medication that reduces inflammation associated with gout. It can be beneficial as a preventative treatment and for relieving attacks when they flare up.

If you're using it for acute gout, you should take the tablets when your symptoms begin to flare up, as it will reduce their severity.

If you try other preventative medicines but they don't work, your doctor may prescribe a regular dose of Colchicine Tablets to prevent gout attacks.

While Colchicine is most associated with gout, it can also be beneficial for:

  • Familial Mediterranean Fever: FMF causes pain and swelling, but it also increases your risk of developing amyloidosis. Colchicine can prevent long-term complications.
  • Reducing Cardiovascular Risks: In low doses, Colchicine can also reduce the risks of heart attacks.

Colchicine Age Restrictions

Colchicine is suitable for adults over 18. However, younger children may be able to use the medication if a doctor or pharmacist recommends doing so. You should always seek medical advice before administering it to a child, as there's a greater risk of side effects.

How to Use Colchicine 500mcg Tablets?

Please follow your doctor's instructions when using Colchicine tablets and never exceed the recommended dosage.

  • Acute Gout Attacks: Your Colchicine dosage for gout flare-ups depends on your symptoms and your response to the treatment. You might take one 500 mcg tablet up to four times daily, or a high dosage of up to 12 tablets.
  • Preventing Gout: Your doctor may recommend a lower-dose regimen for preventing gout. The average daily amount of Colchicine is one to two 500mg tablets.

While you can take Colchicine as a preventative treatment for around three months, you should wait three days after taking it for acute gout.

When to Avoid Using Colchicine?

Colchicine is a highly effective medicine that isn't suitable for everyone. If any of the following apply, you should avoid using it:

  • Allergies: Check the ingredient list carefully and don't use the medicine if you're sensitive or allergic to any of its ingredients.
  • Kidney or Liver Problems: Taking Colchicine with severe liver and kidney failure can increase your risk of toxicity.
  • Blood Disorders: People with blood disorders like blood dyscrasias, low amounts of red and white blood cells, and bone marrow function issues should avoid using Colchicine.
  • Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: In most cases, Colchicine isn't suitable for pregnant or breastfeeding women.
  • Other Medications: Some medications can cause reactions with Colchicine. If you're taking antibiotics, antifungal medicines or heart disease treatments, please get medical advice before using them.

Colchicine Precautions

Please exercise caution if any of the following apply, and don't use Colchicine unless your doctor says it's safe to do so:

  • Kidney or Liver Impairment: Your doctor will want to monitor you if you have a minor to moderate liver or kidney problem.
  • Seniors: Older adults have a higher risk of toxicity and may require a lower dosage.
  • Existing Conditions: If you have a medical condition like heart disease, blood disorders, or gastrointestinal issues, Colchicine may be unsuitable.
  • Grapefruit: Consuming grapefruit or grapefruit juice when taking Colchicine can increase toxicity risks.

Colchicine Ingredients

Colchicine is the active ingredient, but there are inactive ingredients too. These include:

  • Lactose
  • Maize starch
  • Microcrystalline cellulose
  • Purified talc
  • Stearic acid
  • Povidone
  • Magnesium stearate

Side Effects of Colchicine

Colchicine can cause side effects like any medication, although not everybody experiences them. If you experience the following side effects when taking Colchicine, stop the treatment and seek medical attention.

  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Stomach pain
  • Diarrhoea
  • Sore throat
  • Unusual bruising
  • High temperature

In severe cases, you might have an allergic reaction, which can create a range of symptoms, including:

  • Swollen mouth, tongue and lips
  • Tight throat and chest (trouble breathing)
  • Wheezing
  • Itchy skin /other skin problems
  • Problems trying to talk

If you experience any of these or other symptoms, you must immediately get to the hospital, as severe allergic reactions can sometimes result in death.

Leaflets

Colchicine - Patient Information Leaflet

Before taking any medicines, whether over-the-counter or prescription-only, it is essential to always read the patient information leaflet. Please contact our registered pharmacists for advice.

Patient Information Leaflet

Umar Razzaq, MPharm | University of Strathclyde, Clinical Pharmacist.
Content Written by:Umar RazzaqMPharm | University Of Strathclyde
Date Written:01/03/2024
Role:Clinical Pharmacist
Nish Fayyaz, MPharm | University of Strathclyde, Pharmacist.
Medically Reviewed By:Nish FayyazMPharm | University Of Strathclyde
Date Checked:30/05/2025
Role:Pharmacist
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