Colchicine: functions, dosage, side effects, how to use

What Drug Colchicine?

What is colchicine for?

Colchicine is a drug to prevent or treat gout attacks that come on suddenly. Generally, the feet, knees, or ankle joints are most commonly affected by gout. The cause is too much uric acid levels in the blood. When uric acid levels in the blood get too high, hard crystals form in your joints. Colchicine is a drug that works by reducing swelling and reducing the build-up of uric acid crystals that cause pain in the affected joints.

This medication is also used to prevent pain in the stomach, chest, or joints caused by certain inherited diseases (familial Mediterranean fever). It is thought that this drug works by reducing the production of a certain protein (amyloid A) in the body of people with familial Mediterranean fever.

Colchicine is not a painkiller and should not be used for other ailments.

Colchicine dosage

How to use Colchicine?

Before taking colchicine, please read the medication guide provided by your pharmacist. If you have questions about drug information, please ask your doctor or pharmacist.

Colchicine is a medicine that can be taken before or after meals, use exactly as directed by your doctor. Recommended dosages vary and may differ from the recommendations in this article. Taking more than the recommended dose may not increase the effectiveness of the drug, it can increase the risk of side effects. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more details.

If you are taking this medicine to treat a gout attack, be careful and follow the directions given by your doctor. This medication works best if you are taking it from the start when symptoms start to appear. The recommended dose is 1.2 milligrams in the initial stage of relapse, followed by 0.6 milligrams one hour later. The maximum recommended dose is 1.8 milligrams taken over a period of 1 hour. Ask your doctor first about how long you should use this medicine again if you have another gout attack.

If you are taking this medication to prevent gout attacks or pericarditis, ask your doctor for advice on the recommended dosage and schedule you should follow. Follow your doctor's instructions carefully.

If you are taking this medication to prevent the bouts of pain caused by familial Mediterranean fever, the usual dose is 1.2-2.4 milligrams daily. The total dose can be taken once daily or divided into two daily doses. It is likely that your doctor will adjust the dose of the medication to control symptoms or to prevent you from developing side effects.

The dosage is based on your medical condition, other drugs or foods you are taking, and your body's response to the drug. To reduce the risk of serious side effects, do not increase your dose, take it more frequently, or take it for a longer time than directed by your doctor. Serious side effects can occur even at the usual prescribed dosage.

If your doctor recommends using colchicine, use it regularly for best results. As a side note, take the medicine at the same time each day so you can remember.

Avoid eating grapefruit or drinking grapefruit juice while having treatment with this medicine unless your doctor instructs you otherwise. This fruit can increase the levels of certain drugs in the bloodstream. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more details.

If you are taking this medication to treat symptoms due to familial Mediterranean fever, tell your doctor if your condition does not improve or if it gets worse.

How to store Colchicine?

Colchicine is best stored at room temperature, away from direct light and damp places. Don't keep it in the bathroom. Don't freeze it. Other brands of this drug may have different storage rules. Observe the storage instructions on the product package or ask your pharmacist. Keep all medicines away from children and pets.

Do not flush medicines down the toilet or down the drain unless instructed to do so. Discard this product when it has expired or when it is no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company about how to safely dispose of your product.

Colchicine side effects

The information provided is not a substitute for medical advice. ALWAYS consult your doctor or pharmacist before starting treatment.

What is the colchicine dosage for adults?

Adult Dose for Acute Gout:

Oral colchicine

Initial use of uric acid in a dose of 1.2 mg orally at the first sign of symptom relapse, followed by 0.6 mg one hour later.. The maximum dose should only be taken as much as 1.8 mg orally for one hour

• Drug interacts with strong CYP450 3A4 inhibitors: 0.6 mg orally followed by 0.3 mg one hour later. The dose should not be repeated for more than 3 days.

• Moderate interactions with CYP450 3A4 inhibitors: 1.2 mg orally for one dose only. The dose should not be repeated for more than 3 days.

• Drugs interacting with P-glycoprotein inhibitors:

0.6 mg orally for one dose only. The dose should not be repeated for more than 3 days.

Adult Dose for Mediterranean Familial Fever:

Please take 1.2 mg to 2.4 mg orally every day, given 1 or 2 divided doses.

The dose should be increased as needed to control the disease and as a tolerance addition to a maximum of 0.3 mg / day according to the recommended daily dose. If side effects increase, the dose should be reduced gradually from 0.3 mg / day.

• Moderate interacting drug with CYP450 3A4 inhibitor: 0.6 mg orally daily, 0.3 mg each twice daily.
• Moderate interacting drug with CYP450 3A4 inhibitor: 1.2 mg orally daily, 0.6 mg each twice daily.
• Drug interacting with P-glycoprotein inhibitors: 0.6 mg orally daily, 0.3 mg each twice daily.

• What is the dosage of Colchicine for children?

Oral colchicine :

• 4-6 years: 0.3-1.8 mg daily, given in 1 or 2 divided doses.
• 6-12 years: 0.9-1.8 mg daily, given in 1 or 2 divided doses.
• Over 12 years of age: 1.2-2.4 mg daily, given in 1 or 2 divided doses.

The dose should be increased as needed to control disease and within tolerance in increments of a maximum of 0.3 mg / day according to the recommended daily dose. If side effects persist, the dose should be reduced gradually from 0.3 mg / day.

In what dosage is Colchicine available?

Colchicine is a drug that is available in intravenous fluids and tablets of 0.25 mg 0.5 mg 0.6 mg, 1 mg.

Colchicine Drug Warnings and Cautions

What side effects can be experienced due to colchicine?

Colchicine is a drug that can cause side effects. Seek immediate medical help if you experience any of the following signs of an allergic reaction: hives, difficulty breathing, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Call your doctor right away if you experience serious side effects such as:

• muscle pain or weakness
• numbness or tingling in the fingers or toes
• pale or gray lips, also on the tongue, or hands
• severe vomiting or diarrhea
• easy bruising or bleeding, feeling tired
• fever, chills, body aches, flu symptoms
• urine with blood or
• urinating less than usual or not at all.

Less serious side effects include:

• mild nausea or vomiting, stomach pain
• mild diarrhea

Not everyone experiences the above side effects. There may be some side effects not listed above. If you have any concerns about side effects, please consult your doctor or pharmacist.

Colchicine Drug Interactions

What should be known before using colchicine?

Before using certain drugs, consider the risks and benefits first. This is a decision you and your doctor will have to make. For this drug, pay attention to the following:

Allergy

Tell your doctor if you have any unusual or allergic reactions to this or any other medicine. Also tell your doctor if you have any other types of allergies such as to food, coloring, preservatives, or animal allergies. For over-the-counter products, read the labels on the packaging carefully.

Children

There are no studies that accurately describe the relationship between age and the effects of colchicine in children with gout. There is no stipulation regarding the safety and efficacy of the drug.

Studies conducted to date have not revealed pediatric problems, particularly those that would limit colchicine use in children with Familial Mediterranean Fever (FMF). However, colchicine is not recommended for children with FMF less than 4 years of age.

Elderly

Studies conducted to date have not revealed specific geriatric problems that will limit colchicine use in the elderly. However, elderly patients are at an increased risk of developing age-related kidney or liver problems which may require a high level of vigilance and an adjustment in the dose for patients taking colchicine.

Is Colchicine safe for pregnant and lactating women?

Colchicine is a drug that should not be used in pregnant and lactating women. There are no adequate studies regarding the risks of using this drug in pregnant or breastfeeding women. Always consult your doctor to weigh the potential benefits and risks before using this medication. This drug is included in the risk of pregnancy category C according to the Food and Drug Administration in the United States (BPOM).

The following references the risk categories for pregnancy by the Food and Drug Administration in America:

• A = No risk,
• B = not at risk in several studies,
• C = May be risky,
• D = There is positive evidence of risk,
• X = Contraindicated,
• N = Unknown

Colchicine overdose

What medicines may interact with colchicine?

Colchicine is a drug that can interact with other medicines. Although some drugs should not be taken at the same time, in other cases some drugs can also be used together even though interactions may occur. In such cases, the doctor may change the dose, or take other preventive measures as needed. Tell your doctor if you are taking any other over-the-counter or prescription drugs.

Taking this drug with any of the following medicines is not recommended. Your doctor may not prescribe this drug to you or will replace some of the drugs you are already taking.

• • Abiraterone Acetate
  • Amiodarone
  • Atazanavir
  • Azithromycin
  • Boceprevir
  • Bosutinib
  • Captopril
  • Carvedilol

Can food or alcohol interact with Colchicine?

Certain drugs should not be used with meals or when eating certain foods because drug interactions can occur. Consuming alcohol or tobacco with certain drugs can also cause interactions to occur. Discuss your use of drugs with food, alcohol, or tobacco with your health care provider.

What health conditions can interact with Colchicine?

Colchicine is a drug that you should pay attention to if you have certain health conditions. Any other health conditions you have can affect the use of this drug. Always tell your doctor if you have other health problems, especially:

• alcohol abuse
• intestinal problems
• stomach ulcers or other stomach problems. It is possible that the stomach problem can get worse. Colchicine can also increase stomach or intestinal problems.
• blood disorders (eg, aplastic anemia, granulocytopenia, leukopenia, pancytopenia, thrombocytopenia)
• muscle or nerve problems. Use with care. If not, it will make conditions even worse.
• Kidney illness
• liver disorders, should not be used in patients with this condition.

Overdose

What should I do in an emergency or overdose?

Colchicine is a drug that can cause an overdose. In case of an emergency or overdose, contact the local emergency services provider (112) or immediately to the nearest hospital emergency department.

Symptoms of an overdose include:

• stomach ache
• nausea
• gag
• diarrhea
• unusual bruising or bleeding
• sore throat, fever, chills, and other signs of infection
• pale lips, also on the tongue, or palms
• breathing slows down
• the heart slows down or stops in an instant

What should I do if I miss a dose?

If you forget a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. However, when it is nearing the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and return to the usual dosing schedule. Don't double the dose.

Hello Health Group does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.