Health Library

Colchicine (By mouth)

Colchicine (KOL-chi-seen)

Treats and prevents gout attacks. Also treats familial Mediterranean fever (FMF). Also used to reduce the risk of heart attack, stroke, certain types of heart procedures, and cardiovascular death in patients with atherosclerosis (known buildup of plaque inside the arteries) or with multiple cardiovascular risk factors.

Brand Name(s):

Colcrys, Gloperba, Lodoco, Mitigare

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

How to Use This Medicine:

Capsule, Liquid, Tablet

• Take your medicine as directed. Your dose may need to be changed several times to find what works best for you.
• Keep using this medicine for the full treatment time, even if you feel better after the first few doses.
• Oral liquid: Measure the oral liquid medicine with a marked measuring spoon, oral syringe, or medicine cup. The average household teaspoon may not hold the right amount of liquid.
• This medicine should come with a Medication Guide. Ask your pharmacist for a copy if you do not have one.
• Missed dose: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose. For patients taking the tablet to prevent gout attack: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If your next dose is 12 hours away, wait until then and take a regular dose.
• Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• Do not use this medicine together with atazanavir, clarithromycin, cyclosporine, darunavir/ritonavir, indinavir, itraconazole, ketoconazole, lopinavir/ritonavir, nefazodone, nelfinavir, ranolazine, ritonavir, saquinavir, telithromycin, tipranavir/ritonavir.
• Some medicines and foods can affect how colchicine works. Tell your doctor if you are using any of the following:
  • Amprenavir, aprepitant, digoxin, diltiazem, nefazodone, verapamil
  • Birth control pills
  • Medicine to treat HIV or AIDS
  • Medicine to treat an infection (including erythromycin, posaconazole)
  • Medicine to lower cholesterol (including atorvastatin, bezafibrate, fenofibrate, fenofibric acid, fluvastatin, gemfibrozil, lovastatin, pravastatin, simvastatin)
• Do not eat grapefruit or drink grapefruit juice while you are using this medicine.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have kidney disease, liver disease, anemia, bleeding problems, or muscle problems.
• This medicine may cause severe muscle problems.
• This medicine may make you bleed, bruise, or get infections more easily. Take precautions to prevent illness and injury. Wash your hands often.
• Talk with your doctor before using this medicine if you plan to have children. Some men who use this medicine have become infertile (unable to have children).
• Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.
• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
• Bloody or black tarry stools, red or dark brown urine
• Fever, chills, cough, sore throat, body aches
• Numbness or tingling in your hands or feet
• Pale or gray lips, tongue, or palms
• Severe diarrhea or vomiting
• Severe muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness
• Unusual bleeding, bruising, or weakness

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Mild diarrhea or vomiting, nausea, stomach pain or cramps

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088

Last Updated: 9/6/2024