What it is used for
- Acute gout attacks
- Preventing gout flares when starting urate-lowering treatment
- Familial Mediterranean fever
- Certain inflammatory conditions of the heart lining (pericarditis), under specialist care
How it works
Colchicine reduces the inflammatory response that uric acid crystals trigger in joints by interfering with the movement and activity of inflammatory white blood cells, easing the pain and swelling of gout.
How it is taken
Comes as tablets taken by mouth. It must be taken exactly as your doctor or the label directs — the timing and number of tablets matter, and taking too much is dangerous. Follow your clinician's instructions precisely and do not increase the dose to speed up relief.
No doses here on purpose. The right strength and schedule depend on you — only a doctor or pharmacist should set them. Always follow your prescription and the label.
Common side effects
- Diarrhoea
- Nausea, vomiting or abdominal pain
- Loss of appetite
Serious effects — get help
- Severe or bloody diarrhoea and dehydration
- Signs of muscle damage (unexplained muscle pain, weakness or tenderness)
- Signs of blood problems (unusual bruising or bleeding, frequent infections, extreme tiredness)
- Numbness or tingling
- Symptoms of overdose, which can be life-threatening even at amounts not far above the usual dose
If a reaction is severe — for example trouble breathing, swelling of the face or throat, or collapse — go to the nearest emergency room now or call your local emergency number. Do not wait for an online consultation.
Interactions to watch
- Certain antibiotics (such as clarithromycin and erythromycin) and antifungals
- Some heart and blood pressure medicines (such as verapamil, diltiazem)
- Statins (raised muscle-damage risk)
- Ciclosporin
- Grapefruit juice
Who should take care
- Has a narrow safety margin — never exceed the prescribed amount, as overdose can be fatal
- Tell your doctor about kidney or liver problems, which raise the risk of toxicity
- Many drug interactions require dose adjustment; share your full medicine list with your clinician
- Use in pregnancy and breastfeeding only on specialist advice
- Seek urgent care for severe diarrhoea, muscle weakness or signs of overdose