Colchicine
Also sold as: Colcrys
Usual adult dose
Usual adult dose for a gout attack: 0.5 mg two to three times a day until the pain settles, as prescribed by your doctor (some doctors give 1 mg at the start, then 0.5 mg an hour later). Do not take more than prescribed — overdose is dangerous.
Your doctor may give you a different dose. Children's doses depend on weight.
Side effects
Common
- diarrhoea
- nausea
- vomiting
- stomach pain
Serious — get help
Stop taking it and see a doctor straight away if you notice:
- severe diarrhoea or vomiting
- muscle pain or weakness
- numbness
- unusual bleeding or bruising
- sore throat with fever
Do not take it, or take care, if
- Serious kidney or liver disease
- Taking clarithromycin, erythromycin or other strong interacting medicines
- Blood disorders
- Keep out of reach of children — overdose can be fatal
Interactions
Medicines that can react with this one.
Serious2 medicinesDo not take these together unless your doctor says so.
- Clarithromycin
Clarithromycin raises colchicine to toxic levels; deaths have been reported.
- Erythromycin
Erythromycin raises colchicine levels and the risk of serious toxicity.
Moderate2 medicinesTake together only with care. Ask your doctor or pharmacist.
- Atorvastatin
Together they increase the risk of muscle damage; report muscle pain or weakness.
- Simvastatin
Together they increase the risk of muscle damage; report muscle pain or weakness.