Colchicine is a medicine that is used to treat a gout attack. It works quickly and efficiently to relieve symptoms of an outbreak within a short period. Colchicine tablets neutralise the uric acid crystals that create gout flare-ups. Once the inflammation reduces, you’ll feel less pain, making it easier to move around.
Treatment for gout
Fast acting
can cause side effects like any medication, although not everybody experiences them. If you experience the following side effects when taking Colchicine, stop the treatment and seek medical attention.NauseaVomitingStomach painDiarrhoeaSore throatUnusual bruisingHigh temperatureIn severe cases, you might have an allergic reaction, which can create a range of symptoms
Colchicine starts to work after around 30 minutes to 2 hours. However, it may take a day or two before you notice your inflammation and pain getting better.
For the treatment of gout attacks, you will only use this course of treatment for a few days.
It's generally a safe medicine if you take it as directed.
Yes, you can drink alcohol with Colchicine. Alcohol does not affect how this medicine works. However, drinking alcohol increases the level of uric acid in your blood. This could make your gout worse.
Generally, you can eat and drink as usual while taking Colchicine. The only thing you need to avoid is grapefruit and grapefruit juice. This is because grapefruit can increase the amount of Colchicine in your blood, creating adverse effects.
The primary advantage of colchicine tablets is that they can neutralise the uric acid crystals that create gout flare-ups. Once the inflammation reduces, you'll feel less pain, making it easier to move around.
Colchicine is suitable for adults over 18, but doctors might prescribe it for children in exceptional circumstances. However, it can cause some side effects, and you should tell your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following apply to you:
Have severe kidney or liver problems (renal or hepatic impairment). You might be able to use the medication but with a lower than average dose.
Had a previous reaction to other medicines.
Suffer from heart disease or digestive system disorders
Have a severe blood disorder
Are (or might be) pregnant
Are breastfeeding
If you're pregnant, many doctors won't prescribe colchicine tablets, but in rare cases, they will be able to. As there are some risks associated with pregnancy, colchicine might not be a good idea, but your doctor will be able to talk you through them and suggest an alternative solution.
You should also avoid taking it if you're breastfeeding, as while there's no definitive link, it could make your baby sick.
In this case, your doctor will offer anti-inflammatory medications, and you can also use over-the-counter painkillers.
Antibiotics such as clarithromycin and erythromycin
HIV medicines including atazanavir and ritonavir
Any medicines that can impact your blood, kidneys or liver
Antifungal medicines
Ciclosporin
Heart medications, including diltiazem and verapamil
Taking these or other medications doesn't mean you can't use colchicine, but you should consult your doctor first.
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