Drug Uses

Colchicine is used to treat and prevent pain associated with gouty arthritis. It may also be used in other cases as you doctor deems fit.

Usage

Following the dosage instructions of your doctor is the best way to use any medication. If you are unsure or do not remember the instructions then you may read the medicine label for more detailed information.

You may choose to take Colchicine with a meal or without one.

You should not consume grapefruit juice when you are using this medicine.

Drug Class and Mechanism

Colchicine is classified as an anti-gout agent. It decreases inflammation.

Missed Dose

Despite your best attempts at remembering, if you still miss out on a dose, then take it as soon as you remember about it. But keep in mind that you will have to adjust your next dose by spacing it out by 4 to 5 hours. If this is not possible, then the best thing to do would be to skip the missed dose and continue with your normal dosage schedule.

Never try to compensate for the missed dose by taking a double dose together. It may cause adverse effects.

Storage

Store Colchicine at 77 degrees F (25 degrees C). You may also store it at between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 and 30 degrees C) for a brief period. Always keep it in a cool dark place that is not directly exposed to sources of heat or moisture and sunlight. Protect it from kids and pets.

Warning/Precautions

Doctors advise against using Colchicine if you are allergic to any ingredient in it or if you have conditions like nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea while consuming Colchicine for the treatment of painful attack of gouty arthritis.

Colchicine may increase the risk of getting dizziness or drowsiness when combined with alcoholic beverages or sleep aids and muscle relaxers. So please avoid them while using Colchicine. Also, avoid undertaking any tasks which require mental alertness (driving, handling heavy machinery etc).

Doctors may prescribe certain laboratory tests to determine how you have responded to treatment and to gauge the severity of the side effects of Colchicine. Please Keep all lab appointments and do not miss any tests.

The drug may falsely result in positive results when testing urine for blood or hemoglobin.

Pregnancy Info

If you are expecting a child or are planning to have a child in the near future, then consult your doctor before using Colchicine to discuss any possible threats to the unborn baby.

If you are a nursing mother and breast feed your baby, then too, seek consultation before using Colchicine as some drugs are excreted in the breast milk and may enter the baby.