Colchicine tablets
What are colchicine tablets?
COLCHICINE treats joint pain and swelling due to gout. It also helps to prevent gout and gouty attacks. Colchicine relieves pain and reduces the inflammation of acute gouty arthritis. Generic colchicine tablets are available.
What should my health care professional know before I take colchicine?
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
- an alcohol abuse problem
- blood disorders
- dental disease
- having intramuscular injections
- heart disease
- kidney disease
- liver disease
- stomach or intestinal disease
- an unusual or allergic reaction to colchicine, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
- pregnant or trying to get pregnant
- breast-feeding
How should I take this medicine?
Take colchicine tablets by mouth. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Swallow the tablets with a drink of water. If you are taking colchicine regularly to prevent attacks of gout, take exactly as directed. Do not take colchicine more often or in higher doses than directed.
If your prescriber or health care professional tells you to, increase the dose as directed when the first symptoms of a gouty attack occur. Reduce the dose as soon as the pain gets better or if nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or stomach pains occur. Go back to your usual dose as soon as you can. If you only take colchicine when you have a gouty attack, follow the above directions after the first symptoms appear.
Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.
What if I miss a dose?
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.
What drug(s) may interact with colchicine?
- alcohol
- antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen)
- clarithromycin
- cyanocobalamin, vitamin B12
- cyclosporine
- erythromycin
Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including non-prescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.
What side effects may I notice from taking colchicine?
Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible:
- blood in urine
- difficulty breathing
- fever, chills, or sore throat
- muscle weakness
- nausea, vomiting
- numbness or tingling in hands or feet
- pain or difficulty passing urine
- skin rash, itching
- stomach pain
- swelling of the face or mouth
- unusual bruising or bleeding
- unusual weakness or tiredness
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
- diarrhea
- loss of appetite
- hair loss
What should I watch for while taking colchicine?
Visit your prescriber or health care professional for regular checks on your progress. You may need periodic blood checks if you are taking colchicine regularly.
Alcohol can increase the chance of getting stomach problems. It can also increase uric acid concentrations in the blood, which makes a gouty attack more likely. It is best to avoid alcoholic drinks.
Do not treat yourself with non-prescription pain-relievers without consulting your prescriber or health care professional.
Where can I keep my medicine?
Keep out of the reach of children in a container that small children cannot open.
Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Keep container tightly closed. Protect from light. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.
[ Last Revised: 9/9/2005 4:42:00 PM ]
NOTE: This information is not intended to cover all possible uses, precautions, interactions, or adverse effects for this drug. If you have questions about the drug(s) you are taking, check with your health care professional.
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