The following information is a summary about Colchicine.
It is not intended to replace a doctor's instructions.
(COLCHICINE - ORAL)
USES
Colchicine is used to treat acute flares of gouty arthritis
and to prevent recurrent acute attacks. It also is
used to treat the inflammation of pseudogout, and other
uncommon diseases, such as familial Mediterranean fever,
amyloidosis, and scleroderma; however, these are unapproved
uses of colchicine, and there are few data to support
colchicine's effectiveness for treating these diseases.
DIRECTIONS
Colchicine should be taken with food. The recommended
dose for an acute attack is 0.6-1.2 mg. The dose may
be repeated every 1-2 hours until symptoms are controlled.
The total dose needed to control acute attacks is 4-8
mg. Pain and swelling subside within 12 hours and resolves
within 24-48 hours. To prevent attacks, 0.6 mg may
be administered daily or every 3-4 days depending on
the frequency of attacks.
PRECAUTIONS
Before using this drug, tell your doctor your medical
history especially of: kidney or heart disease, stomach
or intestinal problems, bleeding disorders, any drug
allergies. Alcohol can decrease the effectiveness of
this drug. Limit alcohol consumption while taking this.
Before having surgery, including dental surgery, tell
your doctor you are taking colchicine. If you are to
take a urine test while using this medication, tell
the doctor or laboratory personnel that you are taking
colchicine because colchicine may affect the test results.
Colchicine is not recommended for use during pregnancy.
Consult your doctor before using this drug. This drug
is excreted into breast milk. Though no problems noted
to date, consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
SIDE EFFECTS
The most common side effects of colchicine are dose related
and include nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhea.
One of the most worrisome side effects of colchicine
is that it can damage the bone marrow causing severe
anemia and low white blood counts. Reduced white blood
cell counts can increases the risk of infections. All
patients taking colchicine long-term require blood
count monitoring. Colchicine can also cause hair loss,
weakness, and nerve irritation.
MISSED DOSE
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as remembered if
it is within an hour or so. If you do not remember
until later, skip the missed dose and resume your usual
dosing schedule. Do not "double-up" the dose to catch
up.
DRUG INTERACTIONS
Before using this drug, tell your doctor of all prescription
and nonprescription medicines you may use. Erythromycin
and clarithromycin (Biaxin) may increase blood levels
of colchicine by reducing the metabolism of colchicine.
This may increase side effects from colchicine.
NOTES
Do not allow anyone else to take Chantix.
STORAGE
Store at room temperature and keep away from moisture
and sunlight. KEEP CHANTIX AND ALL MEDICATIONS OUT
OF THE REACH OF CHILDREN.
