Colchicine is a prescription anti-gout medicine. Colchicine is an alkaloid and a secondary plant metabolite, traditionally derived from the plant extract of Colchicum autumnale (autumn crocus). Colchicine is an alternative treatment for gout patients who cannot tolerate NSAID (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs).
Colchicine is used for:
In Gout, uric acid crystals deposit in and around soft joint tissues and synovial fluid. These uric acid crystals induce inflammatory arthritis, which is characterized by swollen and painful joints. Colchicine is potent anti-inflammatory medicine. Colchicine alters the white blood cells' mobility to the inflammation site (i.e., joints), thus breaching the inflammation cycle and reducing the joints' swelling and pain.
Colchicine is an effective anti-inflammatory medicine that suppresses the inflammatory response in an acute gout attack. Colchicine effectively reduces swelling and associated pain at the joints in the gout attack. It is especially useful in gout patients who are intolerant to non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.
For the Gout attack treatment, Colchicine tablet equivalent to 1.2 gm of Colchicine (i.e., two tablets) are to be taken orally with a glass of water followed by one tablet after one hour and continue until gout pain is relieved. However, not more than ten tablets should be consumed during a gout attack. Also, it is essential to keep a gap of at least three days between two courses of Colchicine therapy.
While for the prevention of Gout, a Colchicine tablet should be taken twice daily with a glass of water.
Colchicine is a prescription medicine that is available as an oral tablet. It is best to initiate Colchicine therapy as soon as the gout attack starts.
Colchicine tablet is available in 0.6 mg ~ 600µg strength. The therapy is initiated with two tablets of Colchicine followed by another tablet to be consumed after one hour.
Colchicine should be consumed only by people age above 18 years. It is advised to inform your doctor if you have any of the following condition:
Use of Colchicine should be avoided in:
Gastrointestinal disturbances like diarrhoea, stomach ache, nausea, vomiting, constipation are the most common side effects observed after initiating Colchicine therapy. In rare cases, patients have complained about muscle pain and muscle weakness.
Colchicine interacts with other medicines and can result in toxic side effects. Hence, it is best to inform your doctor about the medication you are consuming.
Drugs like antifungal drugs (ketoconazole or itraconazole), HIV drugs (indinavir, atazanavir, nelfinavir, saquinavir, or ritonavir), antibiotics (clarithromycin or telithromycin), antidepressants (nefazodone) have been found to increase the Colchicine levels in the body resulting in drug toxicity. Hence, concurrent consumption of these drugs with Colchicine should be avoided.
Cholesterol-lowering drugs (like atorvastatin, fluvastatin, lovastatin, pravastatin, simvastatin, fibrates, or gemfibrozil), Digoxin, Verapamil and Diltiazem are known to increase the Colchicine related side effects. Thus, the dosage of Colchicine needs to be adjusted accordingly.
You can buy Colchicine tablets online. It is recommended that you always buy Colchicine tablets online from a trusted online pharmacy like MedsNow. You can buy Colchicine tablets from our online pharmacy, Medsnow, after getting proper medical online consultation with our experienced team of doctors and pharmacists. Alternatively, you can procure an independent prescription as well. The medication will be delivered conveniently to your doorstep. It is good to have online consultation because it will ensure that Colchicine is the correct medicine for your medical problem and you consume its appropriate dose as well.
Colchicine tablets should be stored away from direct heat, humidity and light and at room temperature (68°F and 77°F OR 20°C and 25°C). Keep the medicine out of the reach of children.
How much Colchicine can I take in 24 hours?
Not more than 6 mg, i.e. ten tablets, should be consumed in a gout attack. The therapy should be initiated with a dose of 1.2 mg followed by one tablet after an hour till gout pain subside.
When does Colchicine start working
Colchicine starts to act within 30 min to 2 hours; however, it may take up to 24 hours for gout symptoms (pain and swelling) to subside.
Is Colchicine an anti-inflammatory?
Colchicine is a potent anti-inflammatory drug. However, one should not consider it a pain killer. Colchicine modulates the mobility of the white blood cells at the site of inflammation. Thereby, Colchicine inhibits the inflammatory response of the body at the inflammation site and relieving the patient from associated swelling and pain.
What happens if you take too much Colchicine?
Consuming Colchicine in high amount can induce gastrointestinal side effect, which can be dangerous. A high amount of Colchicine can cause symptoms of dizziness, vomiting, nausea, bloody diarrhoea.