General Information on Colchicine

Generic Name : Colchicine
Pronunciation : kol' chi seen

Latest prescription information about Colchicine. Learn how to pronounce the drug's name, its indications, dosage, how to take, when to take, when not to take, side effects, special precautions, warnings and its storage instructions . Also listed are the Indian trade name(s) of the drug and its price list.

Therapeutic Classification : Gout Therapy

Trade Names/Brand Names of Colchicine

India :

Coljoy (5mg) (5mg) | Zycolchin (0.5mg) (0.5mg) | Goutnil (0.5mg) (0.5mg) | Colchicindon

Why is Colchicine Prescribed? (Indications)

This medication is an anti-gout agent, prescribed for gout or gouty arthritis. This medication reduces swelling and pain.
The medication is also used to treat Familial Mediterranean fever (FMF) in adults and children aged above 4 years.
FMF is a genetic condition in which, the patient experiences recurrent episodes of accompanied by pain in the abdomen, chest, or joints.

When should Colchicine not be taken? (Contraindications)

Contraindicated in patients with severe gastrointestinal, liver, kidney and heart diseases and hypersensitivity.

What is the dosage of Colchicine?

For preventing gouty arthritis in adults and adolescents older than 16 years of age: one or two 0.6 mg tablets.
For treating Gout Flares: 1.2 mg followed by 0.6 mg (one tablet) one hour later
For FMF: 0.3 to 1.8 mg

How should Colchicine be taken?

It comes as a tablet or capsule to be taken by mouth with or without food.

What are the warnings and precautions for Colchicine?

• Caution should be exercised in patients with history of blood disorder, stomach or bowel problems, heart, liver or kidney problems, underwent dialysis, any allergy, who are taking other medications, elderly, children less than 4 years, during pregnancy and breast feeding.

• Avoid excess dosage.

• Avoid contact with people who have infections.

• It may reduce platelet counts; avoid injury or bruising.

• Monitor complete blood cell counts, kidney function and liver function regularly while taking this medication.

What are the side effects of Colchicine?

•   Severe effects : Bone marrow depression.
•   Gastrointestinal : Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and stomach discomfort.
•   Blood : Decreased white blood cells.
•   Others : Rash, fever, sore throat and unusual bleeding or bruising.