Colchicine

Expert Advice

Indications

This medicine is used for the treatment of gout (a form of arthritis characterized by pain and inflammation in the joints). It can also be used as a preventive treatment for a condition known as familial Mediterranean fever characterized by pain in the abdomen, chest, and joints.

Contraindications

Patients with liver and kidney impairment should avoid this medicine. It should also not be used by patients with blood dyscrasias (blood disorder).

Precautions

Precautions are advised in patients with gastrointestinal disturbances, cardiovascular diseases, liver, and kidney impairment. Elderly patients should observe caution while using this medicine. Blood counts must be monitored while this medicine is being used.

Side-effects

The most common side-effects are nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain. High doses can cause diarrhea, gastrointestinal bleed, rashes, liver, and kidney damage. Rare complications include spot baldness, muscle weakness, brain nerve damage, changes in sperm production and bleeding disorders.

Pregnancy

This medicine is contraindicated in pregnancy.

Lactation

The effects of this medicine on lactating mothers are unknown. Consult your health care provider before using this medicine.