What does the drug colchicine do?
Descriptions. Colchicine is used to prevent or treat attacks of gout (also called gouty arthritis). This condition is caused by too much uric acid in the blood. An attack of gout occurs when uric acid causes inflammation (pain, redness, swelling, and heat) in a joint.
What are the side effects of taking colchicine?
Side Effects
- Black, tarry stools.
- blood in the urine or stools.
- burning, “crawling”, or tingling feeling in the skin.
- difficulty with breathing when exercising.
- fever with or without chills.
- large, hive-like swellings on the face, eyelids, mouth, lips, or tongue.
- muscle weakness.
- numbness in the fingers or toes (usually mild)
Can colchicine damage kidneys?
Renal failure due to colchicine intoxication is due to various factors such as depletion of volume/hypotension, rhabdomyolysis and multiorgan failure. In this case, the hypovolemia was probably the fundamental cause of the acute renal insufficiency as demonstrated by the quick recovery after administering fluids.
What diseases can be treated with colchicine?
Colchicine is an anti-inflammatory drug that is used to treat a variety of conditions, including gout, recurrent pericarditis, and familial Mediterranean fever. Recently, the drug has been shown to potentially reduce the risk of cardiovascular events in those with coronary artery disease.
Is colchicine a high risk medication?
Colchicine is a plant-based alkaloid, extracted from Colchicum autumnale (autumn crocus, meadow saffron) and Gloriosa superba (glory lily) used to treat gout and some other inflammatory conditions. It is considered a high-risk medicine because it is associated with significant toxicity when not used correctly.
What drugs should not be taken with colchicine?
Examples of drugs you should not use with colchicine include:
- Antifungal drugs, such as ketoconazole or itraconazole.
- HIV drugs, such as indinavir, atazanavir, nelfinavir, saquinavir, or ritonavir.
- Antibiotics, such as clarithromycin or telithromycin.
- Antidepressants, such as nefazodone.