Colchicine is a drug to treat pain due to attacks gout that happened suddenly. This drug can also be used to prevent recurrence attackgout (gout) which characterized by severe pain in the joints, such as the thumb or knee joints, due to increased levels of uric acid.
Colchicine works by stopping the formation of a special protein, so it can prevent the activation and movement of neutrophil-type white blood cells to areas of inflammation. That way, complaints of swelling and joint pain due to gout attacks will subside.
Colchicine is only used to relieve pain due to gout, not to relieve pain due to other conditions or causes.
Colchicine trademark: Ar-gout, Colchicine, Colcitine, Frigout, L-Cisin, Nucine, Pyricin, Recolfar
What is Colchicine
| group | Prescription drugs |
| Category | Uricosuric or anti-gout drugs |
| Benefit | Prevent and mitigate attacks gout I |
| Consumed by | Mature |
| Colchicine for pregnant and lactating women | Category C: Animal studies have shown adverse effects on the fetus, but there are no controlled studies in pregnant women. Drugs should only be used if the expected benefit outweighs the risk to the fetus. Colchicine can be absorbed into breast milk. If you are breastfeeding, do not use this medicine without consulting your doctor. |
| Drug form | Tablet |
Warnings Before Taking Colchicine:
Colchicine should only be taken according to a doctor's prescription. There are several things that must be considered before using this drug, including:
- Do not take colchicine if you are allergic to this drug. Always tell your doctor about any allergies you have.
- Tell your doctor if you have kidney failure or are on dialysis. Colchicine should not be used in patients with these conditions.
- Tell your doctor if you have or are currently suffering from kidney disease, heart and blood vessel disease, corneal ulcer, or liver disease.
- Tell your doctor if you are taking any medications, supplements, or herbal products.
- Do not consume alcoholic beverages while undergoing treatment with colchicine because it can reduce the effectiveness of the drug.
- If you plan to have dental work or surgery, tell your doctor that you are taking colchicine.
- Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning a pregnancy.
- Immediately see a doctor if you have an allergic reaction to the drug, serious side effects, or an overdose after taking colchicine
Dosage and Rules for Use of Colchicine
The following are general doses of colchicine for adults based on their intended use:
Purpose: Relieves gout attacks
Initial dose of 1 mg, followed by 0.5 mg 1 hour thereafter. Treatment can be carried out within 12 hours of the first complaint appearing. The maximum dose is 0.5 mg every 8 hours until symptoms disappear or after reaching the maximum dose of 6 mg. When you have reached the maximum dose, colchine can only be consumed 3 days later.
Purpose: Prevent gout attacks
The dose is 0.5 mg, 2 times a day.
How to Consume Colchicine Correctly
Follow the doctor's advice and read the information listed on the drug packaging label before taking colchicine. Do not increase or decrease the dose without consulting your doctor first, as this may increase the risk of serious side effects.
Colchicine can be taken before or after meals. Take medicine with water.
Immediately consume colchicine when the first symptoms of gout attack appear, so that treatment results are more optimal. Do not delay taking colchicine, because the treatment may be less effective.
If after 1 hour the joint pain is still felt, you may need to take colchicine again at a lower dose, as directed by your doctor.
Long-term use of colchicine needs to be accompanied by regular health checks, so that your doctor can monitor the progress of your health.
To maximize treatment, the use of colchicine should be accompanied by reducing consumption of high-purine foods, such as chicken liver or sardines.
Store colchicine in a closed container in a cool place away from direct sunlight. Keep out of reach of children.
Colchicine Interactionwith other drugs
The use of colchicine together with other drugs can cause the following drug-drug interactions:
- Impaired absorption of vitamin B12
- Increased risk of muscle disorders (myopathy) and rhabdomyolysis when used with statins, fibrates, ciclosporin, or digoxin
- Increased levels of colchicine when used with cimetidine or tolbutamide
- Increased risk of bone marrow damage leading to a low white blood cell count (leukopenia) or a low platelet count (thrombocytopenia) when used with phenylbutazone
- Increased risk of gastrointestinal bleeding when used with NSAIDs
- Increased risk of drug poisoning if used with macrolide antibiotics, calcium antagonist drugs, ritonavir, itraconazole, ketoconazole, or disulfiram
In addition, if consumed together grapefruit, levels of colchicine in the blood can increase, even at levels that can cause drug poisoning.
Colchicine Side Effects
Some side effects that may occur after using colchicine are:
- Nausea or vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Cramps or stomach ache
Check with your doctor if the side effects above don't go away or get worse. Stop taking colchicine immediately and see a doctor if you have an allergic reaction to the drug or a more serious side effect, such as:
- Muscle ache
- Tingling or numbness in the fingers or toes
- Easy bruising
- Easy fever, easy sore throat, and not feeling well
- Heart beat
- Pale lips, tongue and palms
- Tired or limp