$Unique_ID{BRK03106}
$Pretitle{}
$Title{colchicine}
$Subject{Colchicine Abbott Antigout colchicine gout attack uric acid crystals
pain joints}
$Volume{}
$Log{}

Copyright (C) 1993 Publications International, Ltd.


colchicine
------------------------------------------------------------------------------

BRAND NAMES (Manufacturers)

     colchicine (various manufacturers)
     Colchicine (Abbott)

TYPE OF DRUG

     Antigout

INGREDIENT

     colchicine

DOSAGE FORM

     Tablets (0.5 mg, 0.6 mg, and 0.65 mg)

STORAGE

     Colchicine should be stored at room temperature in a tightly closed,
light-resistant container.

USES

     Colchicine is used to relieve the symptoms of a gout attack and to
prevent further attacks.  Colchicine prevents the movement of uric acid
crystals, which are responsible for the pain in the joints that occurs during
an attack of gout.

TREATMENT

     Colchicine can be taken on an empty stomach or with food or a full glass
of water or milk (as directed by your doctor).
     If you are taking colchicine to control a gout attack, it is important
that you understand how to take it and when it should be stopped.  CHECK WITH
YOUR DOCTOR.
     If you miss a dose of this medication, take the missed dose as soon as
possible, unless it is almost time for the next dose.  In that case, do not
take the missed dose at all; just return to your regular dosing schedule.  Do
not double the next dose.

SIDE EFFECTS

     Minor.

     Abdominal pain, diarrhea, nausea, or vomiting.  These side effects should
disappear as your body adjusts to the medication.

     Major.

     Tell your doctor about any side effects that are persistent or
particularly bothersome.  IT IS ESPECIALLY IMPORTANT TO TELL YOUR DOCTOR about
difficult or painful urination, fever, loss of hair, muscle pain, persistent
diarrhea, skin rash, sore throat, tingling in the hands or feet, or unusual
bleeding or bruising.

INTERACTIONS

     Colchicine interacts with several other types of medications:
     1. It can decrease absorption of vitamin B.
     2. The action of colchicine can be blocked by vitamin C and can be
enhanced by sodium bicarbonate or ammonium chloride.
     3. Colchicine can increase the drowsiness caused by central nervous
system depressants.
     BE SURE TO TELL YOUR DOCTOR about any medications you are currently
taking.

WARNINGS

     * Tell your doctor about unusual or allergic reactions you have had to
any medications.
     * Tell your doctor if you now have or if you have ever had blood
disorders, gastrointestinal disorders, heart disease, kidney disease, or liver
disease.
     * Large amounts of alcohol can increase the blood levels of uric acid,
which can decrease the effectiveness of colchicine.  Alcohol ingestion should,
therefore, be limited while you are taking this medication.
     * Colchicine is not an analgesic (pain reliever) and does not relieve
pain other than that of gout.
     * Be sure to tell your doctor if you are pregnant.  Colchicine is not
recommended for use during pregnancy because it has been reported to cause
birth defects in both animals and humans.  Also, tell your doctor if you are
breast-feeding an infant.  It is not known whether colchicine passes into
breast milk.

----------------

The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical
problem.