colchicine what is it a treatment for

Precautions

Mar 14, 2022 · Generic forms of colchicine have been used to treat or prevent attacks of gout, or to treat symptoms of Behcets syndrome (such as swelling, redness, warmth, and pain). Colchicine is not a cure for gouty arthritis or Behcets syndrome, and it will not prevent these diseases from progressing. Colchicine should not be used as a routine pain medication for …

Can I drink alcohol while taking colchicine?

Sep 28, 2018 · Colchicine is used to treat the symptoms of gout or familial Mediterranean fever. Familial Mediterranean fever is passed down in families. It can cause inflammation (pain and swelling) in the...

What conditions does colchicine treat?

Colchicine works by decreasing swelling and lessening the build up of uric acid crystals that cause pain in the affected joint (s).This medication is also used to prevent attacks of pain in the...

How bad is colchicine for kidneys?

Apr 01, 2022 · Colchicine is used to prevent or treat attacks of gout (also called gouty arthritis). This condition is caused by too much uric acid in the blood. An attack of gout occurs when uric acid causes inflammation (pain, redness, swelling, and heat) in a joint. Colchicine does not cure gout, but it will help prevent gout attacks.

What symptoms does colchicine treat?

Does colchicine help with pain?

What is a major side effect of colchicine?

How long does it take for colchicine to work?

What diseases can be treated with colchicine?

Is colchicine used for anything other than gout?

What drugs should not be taken with colchicine?

Is colchicine a high risk medication?

Does colchicine help arthritis?

What are the 10 foods that trigger gout?

Is it OK to take colchicine every day?

What is the best thing to drink if you have gout?

Before Taking This Medicine

You should not use colchicine if you are allergic to it.Some medicines can cause unwanted or dangerous effects when used with colchicine, especiall...

How Should I Take Colchicine?

Do not purchase colchicine on the Internet or from vendors outside of the United States. Using this medication improperly or without the advice of...

What Happens If I Miss A Dose?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not take extra medicine to...

What Happens If I Overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222. An overdose of colchicine can be fatal.Overdose symptoms may inclu...

What Should I Avoid While Taking Colchicine?

Grapefruit and grapefruit juice may interact with colchicine and lead to unwanted side effects. Avoid the use of grapefruit products while taking c...

What Other Drugs Will Affect Colchicine?

Many drugs can interact with colchicine, and some drugs should not be used together. This includes prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vit...

What is colchicine used for?

Colchicine is an anti-inflammatory drug that is used to treat a variety of conditions, including gout, recurrent pericarditis, and familial Mediterranean fever. 1 Recently, the drug has been studied for the prevention of major cardiovascular events in those with coronary artery disease. 2 Colchicine has several potential mechanisms of action, including mechanisms that reduce the chemotaxis of neutrophils, inhibit inflammasome signaling, and decrease the production of cytokines such as interleukin-1 beta. 3 When colchicine is administered early in the course of COVID-19, these mechanisms may potentially mitigate or prevent inflammation-associated manifestations of the disease. These anti-inflammatory properties (as well as the drug’s limited immunosuppressive potential, widespread availability, and favorable safety profile) have prompted investigation of colchicine for the treatment of COVID-19.

What are the side effects of colchicine?

Common side effects of colchicine include diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, cramping, abdominal pain, bloating, and loss of appetite. In rare cases, colchicine is associated with serious adverse events, such as neuromyotoxicity and blood dyscrasias. Use of colchicine should be avoided in patients with severe renal insufficiency, and patients with moderate renal insufficiency who receive the drug should be monitored for adverse effects. Caution should be used when colchicine is coadministered with drugs that inhibit cytochrome P450 (CYP) 3A4 and/or P-glycoprotein (P-gp) because such use may increase the risk of colchicine-induced adverse effects due to significant increases in colchicine plasma levels. The risk of myopathy may be increased with the concomitant use of certain HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors, such as atorvastatin, lovastatin, and simvastatin, due to potential competitive interactions mediated by CYP3A4 and P-gp pathways. 11,12 Fatal colchicine toxicity has been reported in individuals with renal or hepatic impairment who received colchicine in conjunction with P-gp inhibitors or strong CYP3A4 inhibitors.

Does colchicine cause diarrhea?

Common adverse effects of colchicine include diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramping and pain, bloating, and loss of appetite. In rare cases, colchicine is associated with serious adverse events, such as neuromyotoxicity and blood dyscrasias. Use of colchicine should be avoided in patients with severe renal insufficiency, ...

Is colchicine a placebo?

COLCORONA was a contactless, double-blind, placebo-controlled randomized trial in outpatients who were diagnosed with COVID-19 within 24 hours of enrollment.

Is colchicine safe for renal failure?

In rare cases, colchicine is associated with serious adverse events, such as neuromyotoxicity and blood dyscrasias. Use of colchicine should be avoided in patients with severe renal insufficiency, and patients with moderate renal insufficiency who receive the drug should be monitored for adverse effects.

Can colchicine be used in pregnancy?

There are limited data on the use of colchicine in pregnancy. Fetal risk cannot be ruled out based on data from animal studies and the drug’s mechanism of action. Colchicine crosses the placenta and has antimitotic properties, which raises a theoretical concern for teratogenicity. However, a recent systematic review of the literature did not find higher rates of miscarriage or major fetal malformations in pregnant women who were exposed to colchicine than in pregnant women who were not exposed to the drug. There are no data for colchicine use in pregnant women with acute COVID-19. Risks of use should be balanced against potential benefits. 11,13

Can you use colchicine for fever?

Colchicine use in children is limited to the treatment of periodic fever syndromes, primarily familial Mediterranean fever. There are no data on the use of colchicine to treat pediatric acute COVID-19 or multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C).

What is colchicine used for?

Colchicine is a medication used to treat gout and Behçet's disease. In gout, it is less preferred to NSAIDs or steroids. Other uses for colchicine include the management of pericarditis and familial Mediterranean fever. Colchicine is taken by mouth.

What is the role of colchicine in drug metabolism?

Colchicine interacts with the P-glycoprotein transporter, and the CYP3A4 enzyme involved in drug and toxin metabolism. Fatal drug interactions have occurred when colchicine was taken with other drugs that inhibit P-glycoprotein and CYP3A4, such as erythromycin or clarithromycin.

How does colchicine affect gout?

Under preliminary research are various mechanisms by which colchicine may interfere with gout inflammation: 1 inhibits microtubule polymerization by binding to its constitutive protein, tubulin 2 as availability of tubulin is essential to mitosis, colchicine may inhibit mitosis 3 inhibits activation and migration of neutrophils to sites of inflammation 4 interferes with the inflammasome complex found in neutrophils and monocytes that mediate interleukin-1β activation, a component of inflammation 5 inhibits superoxide anion production in response to urate crystals 6 interrupts mast cell and lysosome degranulation 7 inhibits release of glycoproteins that promote chemotaxis from synovial cells and neutrophils

Is colchicine good for gout?

Colchicine is an alternative for those unable to tolerate NSAIDs in gout. At high doses, side effects (primarily gastrointestinal upset) limit its use. At lower doses, it is well tolerated. One review found low-quality evidence that low-dose colchicine (1.8 mg in one hour or 1.2 mg per day) reduced gout symptoms and pain, ...

Is colchicine good for spondyloarthropathy?

Colchicine is also used as an anti-inflammatory agent for long-term treatment of Behçet's disease. It appears to have limited effect in relapsing polychondritis, as it may only be useful for the treatment of chondritis and mild skin symptoms. It is a component of therapy for several other conditions, including pericarditis, pulmonary fibrosis, biliary cirrhosis, various vasculitides, pseudogout, spondyloarthropathies, calcinosis, scleroderma, and amyloidosis. Research regarding the efficacy of colchicine in many of these diseases has not been performed. It is also used in the treatment of familial Mediterranean fever, in which it reduces attacks and the long-term risk of amyloidosis.

Can colchicine cause hair loss?

Typical side effects of moderate doses may include gastrointestinal upset, diarrhea, and neutropenia. High doses can also damage bone marrow, lead to anemia, and cause hair loss.

How long does it take for colchicine to kill you?

According to one review, colchicine poisoning by overdose (range of acute doses of 7 to 26 mg) begins with a gastrointestinal phase occurring 10–24 hours after ingestion, followed by multiple organ dysfunction occurring 24 hours to 7 days after ingestion, after which the affected person either declines into multi-organ failure or recovers over several weeks.

How does colchicine help with pain?

Colchicine works by decreasing swelling and lessening the build up of uric acid crystals that cause pain in the affected joint (s). This medication is also used to prevent attacks of pain in the abdomen, chest, or joints caused by a certain inherited disease ( familial Mediterranean fever ).

Can you take colchicine every day?

If your doctor directs you to take colchicine regularly, use it regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, take it at the same time (s) each day. Avoid eating grapefruit or drinking grapefruit juice while being treated with this medication unless your doctor instructs you otherwise.

What are the side effects of a syringe?

Side Effects. Diarrhea, nausea, cramping, abdominal pain, and vomiting may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly. Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects.

Where to report side effects?

You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch. In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345. Precautions.

Can you take a sulfate supplement with food?

Take this medication by mouth with or without food, exactly as directed by your doctor. Dosing recommendations vary widely and may be different from the following recommendations. Taking more than the recommended dose may not increase this drug's effectiveness and may increase your risk for side effects.

What to tell your dentist before surgery?

Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products). Older adults may be more sensitive to the side effects of this drug, especially muscle weakness /pain and numbness/tingling in their fingers or toes.

Does colchicine cause numbness?

Older adults may be more sensitive to the side effects of this drug, especially muscle weakness /pain and numbness/tingling in their fingers or toes. Colchicine can decrease sperm production, which may affect the ability of a male to father a child. Consult your doctor for more information.

Is colchicine a pain reliever?

Colchicine is not an ordinary pain reliever and will not relieve most kinds of pain. Colchicine is also used to treat a rare condition called familial Mediterranean fever (FMF). Colchicine may be used in 2 ways.

Does Colchicine help with gout?

An attack of gout occurs when uric acid causes inflammation (pain, redness, swelling, and heat) in a joint. Colchicine does not cure gout, but it will help prevent gout attacks. Colchicine is not an ordinary pain reliever and will not relieve most kinds of pain.

How long after taking colchicine can you take it?

After taking colchicine tablets to treat an attack, do not take any more colchicine for at least 3 days. Also, after receiving the medicine by injection for an attack, do not take any more colchicine (tablets or injection) for at least 7 days.

Can you take colchicine with food?

You may take this medicine with or without food. For patients taking small amounts of colchicine regularly (preventive treatment): Take this medicine regularly as directed by your doctor, even if you feel well.

What to do if you miss a dose of a sulfate sulfate?

If you miss a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double doses.

How to store a med?

Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Keep from freezing. Keep out of the reach of children. Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed. Ask your healthcare professional how you should dispose of any medicine you do not use.

Why is colchicine prescribed?

Why is this medication prescribed? Expand Section. Colchicine is used to prevent gout attacks (sudden, severe pain in one or more joints caused by abnormally high levels of a substance called uric acid in the blood) in adults. Colchicine (Colcrys) is also used to relieve the pain of gout attacks when they occur.

Is colchicine a pain reliever?

Colchicine (Colcrys) is also used to treat familial Mediterranean fever (FMF; an inborn condition that causes episodes of fever, pain, and swelling of the stomach area, lungs, and joints) in adults and children 4 years of age and older. Colchicine is not a pain reliever and cannot be used to treat pain that is not caused by gout or FMF.

What are the side effects of colchicine?

Some side effects can be serious. If you experience any of the following symptoms, stop taking colchicine and call your doctor immediately: 1 muscle pain or weakness 2 numbness or tingling in the fingers or toes 3 unusual bruising or bleeding 4 sore throat, fever, chills, and other signs of infection 5 weakness or tiredness 6 paleness or grayness of the lips, tongue, or palms

How to know if you overdosed on a sulfate sulfate?

Symptoms of overdose may include: 1 stomach pain 2 nausea 3 vomiting 4 diarrhea 5 unusual bruising or bleeding 6 sore throat, fever, chills, and other signs of infection 7 paleness or grayness of the lips, tongue, or palms 8 slowed breathing 9 slowed or stopped heartbeat

What is the best medicine for gout?

Colchicine (Colcrys) is also used to relieve the pain of gout attacks when they occur. Colchicine (Colcrys) is also used to treat familial Mediterranean fever (FMF; an inborn condition that causes episodes of fever, pain, and swelling of the stomach area, lungs, and joints) in adults and children 4 years of age and older.

Can you take colchicine if you have gout?

Your doctor may decrease your dose if you experience side effects. If you are taking colchicine to prevent gout attacks, call your doctor right away if you experience a gout attack during your treatment. Your doctor may tell you to take an extra dose of colchicine, followed by a smaller dose one hour later.

What to do if you are allergic to colchicine?

tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to colchicine, any other medications, or any of the ingredients in colchicine tablets or solution. Ask your doctor or pharmacist or check the medication guide for a list of ingredients.

Is colchicine an analgesic?

Colchicine capsules are indicated for prophylaxis of gout flares in adults. Limitations of use: The safety and effectiveness of Colchicine capsules for acute treatment of gout flares during prophylaxis has not been studied. Colchicine capsules are not an analgesic medication and should not be used to treat pain from other causes.

What are the side effects of Colchicine?

The most common side effects of Colchicine capsules include abdominal pain, diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any side effect that bothers you or that does not go away. These are not all of the possible side effects of Colchicine capsules.

Is colchicine a metabolizing enzyme?

Because Colchicine is a substrate for both the CYP3A4 metabolizing enzyme and the P-glycoprotein efflux transporter, inhibition of either of these pathways may lead to Colchicine-related toxicity. Inhibition of both CYP3A4 and P-gp by dual inhibitors such as clarithromycin has been reported to produce life-threatening or fatal Colchicine toxicity due to significant increases in systemic Colchicine levels. Therefore, concomitant use of Colchicine capsules and inhibitors of CYP3A4 or P-glycoprotein should be avoided [ See Drug Interactions (7) ]. If avoidance is not possible, reduced daily dose should be considered and the patient should be monitored closely for Colchicine toxicity. Use of Colchicine capsules in conjunction with drugs that inhibit both P-gp and CYP3A4 is contraindicated in patients with renal or hepatic impairment [See Contraindications (4)].

Can you take Colchicine while pregnant?

Pregnancy Category C. There are no adequate and well-controlled studies with Colchicine capsules in pregnant women. Colchicine crosses the human placenta. Developmental studies in animals were not conducted with Colchicine capsules, however published animal reproduction and development studies with Colchicine demonstrated embryofetal toxicity, teratogenicity, and altered postnatal development at exposures within or above the clinical therapeutic range. Colchicine should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus.

Is colchicine excreted into milk?

Colchicine is excreted into human milk. Limited information suggests that infants exclusively breastfed receive less than 10 percent of the maternal weight-adjusted dose. While there are no published reports of adverse effects in breast-feeding infants of mothers taking Colchicine, Colchicine can affect gastrointestinal cell renewal and permeability. Caution should be exercised and breastfeeding infants should be observed for adverse effects when Colchicine capsules is administered to a nursing woman.

Does colchicine affect gastrointestinal cells?

While there are no published reports of adverse effects in breast-feeding infants of mothers taking Colchicine, Colchicine can affect gastrointestinal cell renewal and permeability.

How much colchicine can you overdose on?

A review of 150 patients who overdosed on Colchicine found that those who ingested less than 0.5 mg/kg survived and tended to have milder adverse reactions, such as gastrointestinal symptoms, whereas those who ingested from 0.5 to 0.8 mg/kg had more severe adverse reactions, including myelosuppression. There was 100% mortality among patients who ingested more than 0.8 mg/kg.

Does colchicine help with gout?

Colchicine works by decreasing swelling and lessening the buildup of uric acid crystals that cause pain in the affected joint (s).Colchicine is not a pain medication.

Can you take colchicine if you are allergic to it?

Before taking colchicine, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.

What are the side effects of a syringe?

Side Effects. Diarrhea, nausea, cramping, abdominal pain, and vomiting may occur. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly. Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects.

Can you eat grapefruit while taking a pill?

To help you remember, take it at the same time (s) each day. Avoid eating grapefruit or drinking grapefruit juice while using this medication unless your doctor or pharmacist says you may do so safely. Grapefruit can increase the chance of side effects with this medicine. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more details.

What to tell your dentist before surgery?

Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products). Older adults may be more sensitive to the side effects of this drug, especially muscle weakness /pain and numbness/tingling in their fingers or toes.

Can drug interactions change your medication?

Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist.

Is First Databank copyrighted?

Selected from data included with permission and copyrighted by First Databank, Inc. This copyrighted material has been downloaded from a licensed data provider and is not for distribution, except as may be authorized by the applicable terms of use.

Recommendations

Rationale

Clinical Data For Covid-19

Adverse Effects, Monitoring, and Drug-Drug Interactions

Considerations in Pregnancy

Considerations in Children

Overview

Medical uses

Contraindications

Adverse effects

• Colchicine use in children is limited to the treatment of periodic fever syndromes, primarily familial Mediterranean fever. There are no data on the use of colchicine to treat pediatric acute COVID-19 or multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C).

See more on covid19treatmentguidelines.nih.gov

Toxicity

Drug interactions

Colchicine is an alternative for those unable to tolerate NSAIDs when treating gout. Low doses appear to be well tolerated and may reduce gout symptoms and pain (1.2 mg in one hour, followed by 0.6 mg an hour later). This low dose may have a similar effectiveness to NSAIDS (low quality evidence). At high doses, side effects (primarily diarrhea, nausea, or vomiting) limit its use, however may be effective against pain. In addition, there is preliminary evidence that daily colchi…

Mechanism of action

History