Colchicine is an oral anti-inflammatory medication primarily used to treat and prevent acute gout attacks. Gout is a form of arthritis caused by the buildup of uric acid crystals in the joints, often resulting in sudden, severe pain and swelling in one or a few joints—most commonly the big toe, ankle, or knee.
Colchicine works by interrupting the inflammatory response to these uric acid crystals, thereby relieving pain and reducing swelling. It is also used as a preventive treatment in individuals with frequent flare-ups and may be prescribed long-term to reduce the recurrence of symptoms.
In addition to its use in gout, colchicine is prescribed off-label for conditions like recurrent pericarditis—an inflammation of the sac surrounding the heart—due to its ability to modulate the body’s inflammatory pathways.
How to Use:
-
Take exactly as prescribed by your healthcare provider
-
Often initiated at the first sign of a flare; dosage varies based on use for treatment or prevention
-
Do not exceed the recommended dose to avoid toxicity
Warnings:
-
Colchicine has a narrow therapeutic index; even slight overdoses can be dangerous
-
Avoid grapefruit juice, which can increase colchicine levels and the risk of side effects
-
Not recommended for patients with severe renal or hepatic impairment unless adjusted by a provider