Drug Title

Colchicine

Drug Uses

Colchicine is used for treating and preventing pain associated with gouty arthritis. It may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor.

Mode of Application

Colchicine can be taken by mouth with or without food. The best way to use the drug is as recommended by your doctor. It is recommended that you do not take grapefruit or grapefruit juice while taking Colchicine.

Drug Class & Mechanism

Colchicine is an anti-gout agent. It works by decreasing inflammation.

Missed Dosage

If you miss a dose of Colchicine, then you may take it as soon as you remember and adjust the remaining doses accordingly. However, if it is nearly time for the next dose then you may skip this dose and continue with the regular dosage. Do not take a double dose to make up for the missed dose.

Storage

Store it at room temperature (between 68 and 77 degrees F (20 and 25 degrees C) in an air tight container protecting it from direct exposure to light, heat and moisture. Keep away from pets and children.

Precautions

Colchicine may cause drowsiness. These effects get aggravated if you take it with alcohol or certain other medications (sleep aids, muscle relaxers). So, do not drive or perform other potentially hazardous tasks until you know how your body reacts to the drug.

You must not take Colchicine if you are allergic to any ingredient in it.

Colchicine may cause false positive results for certain lab tests (esting urine for blood or hemoglobin). So ensure that your doctor and the lab personnel know that you are taking the drug.

If you are pregnant or suspect that you are, then stop using and contact your doctor immediately as it is known to cause harm to the fetus.

Colchicine is secreted in breast milk. Avoid breast feeding while using the drug.

Periodic lab tests may be recommended to monitor your health while taking the drug. Ensure that you do not miss any lab tests.

Side Effects

Some of the common side effects of are diarrhea, nausea, stomach pain, vomiting. Please contact your doctor if the symptoms persist or become bothersome.

Other severe side effects include allergic reactions (rash, hives, itching, difficulty breathing, tightness in the chest, swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue), fever, infection, numbness or tingling, severe diarrhea, sore throat, tiredness, unusual bleeding or bruising, weakness.

You must seek medical attention immediately if any of these side effects occur.