Colchicine

Question 1

Drug Class

Answer 1

Antigout drug

Question 2

Active

Answer 2

Colchicine

Question 3

Indications

Answer 3

Relief of pain in acute gout

Prophylaxis of recurrent attacks of gout or when starting urate-lowering treatment

Question 4

Dose Range

Answer 4

Acute gout: 1 mg as soon as possible, then 500 micrograms 1 hour later (maximum 1.5 mg per course). Do not repeat the course within 3 days

Gout prophylaxis: 500mcg 1-2 times daily (according to response and GI symptoms)

Question 5

SE’s

Answer 5

• diarrhoea (treatment limiting)
• n/v
• GI haemorrhage
• rash
• blood dyscrasias
• myelosuppression

Question 6

Counselling

Answer 6

• Do not take more than 3 tablets (1.5 mg) in a course to treat acute gout or repeat the course within 3 days.
• Tell your doctor, dentist or pharmacist that you are taking colchicine so that they can choose medicines appropriately.
• Avoid grapefruit juice as it may increase the amount of colchicine in your bloodstream and could increase the chances of side effects occurring.
• Stop taking this medicine, and tell your doctor if you develop severe diarrhoea or vomiting; muscle pain, tenderness or weakness; numbness or tingling in your fingers or toes; unusual bleeding or bruising or an infection.

Question 7

Monitoring

Answer 7

• Complete blood count (before using it long-term)

- Renal and hepatic function (impairment reduces elimination and increases the risk of SE’s)