Colchicine Description

Generic Name: COLCHICINE

Pronunciation: (kol' chi seen)

Trade Name(s): Colchicindon, Goutnil

Why it is prescribed: Colchicine relieves inflammation and swelling caused by attacks of gout or gouty arthritis. It also may be taken regularly to prevent and reduce the severity of attacks.

When it is to be taken: If you are using colchicine to relieve attack symptoms, start taking it at the first sign of pain. Relief usually will begin within 12 hours, and symptoms will disapper within 48 to 72 hours. This medication will not be fully effective if you do not take it as soon as you feel pain. Continue to take this medication as directed on your prescription label until the pain is relieved or you have nausea, vomiting, or Diarrhea. Your prescription label gives specific instructions for how often to take colchicine and how much to take at each dose. If you are taking colchicine regularly to prevent and reduce the severity of attacks, follow the instructions on your prescription label carefully. If you take this medication once a day or once every few days, try to take it at the same time you perform some regular activity, such as brushing your teeth in the morning or eating dinner, to help you remember it.

How it should be taken: Colchicine comes in the form of tablets. Your prescription label gives specific information on how much to take at each dose. If you have any questions about whether to continue taking this drug, ask your doctor.

Special Instruction:
1. If you are taking colchicine to relieve attack symptoms, try to take every dose at its regularly scheduled time. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember it. However, if you remember a missed dose at the time you are schedule to take the next dose, take only the regularly scheduled dose. Do not take a double dose.
2. If you are taking colchicine to prevent attacks and you miss a dose, omit it completely and do not take an extra dose the following day.

Side Effects:
1. Nausea, vomiting, Diarrhea, stomach discomfort. Stop taking the medication and contact your doctor.
2. Skin rash, fever, sore throat, unusual bleeding or bruising. Stop taking the medication and contact your doctor immediately.

Other Precautions:
1. Women who are pregnant or may become pregnant should tell their doctors before taking colchicine.
2. Tell your doctor what prescription and nonprescription drugs you are taking.
3. If you have kidney, stomach, intestinal, or heart problems, tell your doctor before you take colchicine.
4. If you are to take a urine test while using this medication, tell the doctor or laboratory personnel that you are taking colchicine because colchicine may affect the test results.
5. Do not allow anyone else to take this medication.

Storage Conditions: Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of the reach of children.