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Colchicine

  • Do not take more than 6 mg.
  • Stop taking the tablets if you get sickness or diarrhoea.

About colchicine

Type of medicine Anti-gout agent
Used for Gout
Available as Tablets

In gout, crystals of uric acid are deposited in joints. White blood cells travel to these areas causing pain and swelling. Colchicine works by preventing white blood cells from travelling into these areas, causing a reduction in pain and inflammation.

Before taking colchicine

Before taking colchicine make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:

  • If you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding.
  • If you have any liver or kidney problems.
  • If you have any heart problems.
  • If you have any stomach problems.
  • If you have any problems with your blood.

How to take colchicine

  • Take as directed by your doctor.
  • Do not take more than 6 mg per course.
  • There should be a gap of at least 3 days between courses.

Getting the most from your treatment

  • Stop taking the tablets if you get sickness or diarrhoea.
  • Excess alcohol can irritate gout. Make sure you stick to the weekly limits of 21 units per week for males and 14 units per week for females.
  • Being overweight can irritate gout. Try to increase physical activity and eat a healthy diet.

Can colchicine cause problems

Along with their useful effects all medicines can cause unwanted side effects, which usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following side effects continue or become troublesome.

Common side-effects - these affect less than 1 in 10 people who take this medicine What can I do if I experience this
Feeling or being sick Eat little and often.
Stick to simple foods such as dry toast.
If you are sick, stop taking the tablets and contact your doctor.
Diarrhoea If this is severe, stop taking the tablets and contact your doctor.

Other side effects include rash, muscle weakness and hair loss.
Rarely, you may experience a "pins and needles" sensation in your hands and feet.

How to store colchicine

  • Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.
  • Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.

Important information about all medicines


  • Keep all medicines out of the sight and reach of children.
  • Make sure that the person prescribing this medicine knows about any other medicines that you are taking. This includes medicines you buy and herbal and homeopathic medicines.
  • If you buy any medicines check with a pharmacist that they are safe to take with your other medicines.
  • Before taking this medicine tell your doctor if you have ever had an allergic reaction after taking any medicine.
  • Never take more than the prescribed dose. If you suspect that you or someone else has taken an overdose of this medicine go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital at once. Always take the container with you, if possible, even if it is empty.
  • If you are having any treatment like an operation or dental treatment tell the person carrying out the treatment which medicines you are taking.
  • Always read the printed information leaflet that comes with your medicine.
  • This medicine is for you. Never give it to other people even if their condition appears to be the same as yours.
  • Never keep out of date or unwanted medicines. Take them to your local pharmacy which will dispose of them for you.
  • If you have any questions about this medicine ask your pharmacist.
© EMIS 2007 DocID:
3230		 DocRef:
dils2095		 Last Updated:
3 Aug 2007		 Date of Next Review:
2 Aug 2009		 Version:
22






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PS - Health and Poverty

Perhaps the biggest cause of ill health in the world is poverty. Help to Make Poverty History. For example, why not lend some of your money to disadvantaged communities to enable them to trade their way out of poverty through schemes such as Shared Interest.

See also MAKEPOVERTYHISTORY North East for details and links to campaigns against poverty.

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