• Basic Info
• Top Questions
• Clinical Info
• Interactions

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking colchicine?

You should not use this medication if you are allergic to colchicine, or if you have:

• heart disease;

• kidney disease; or

• a severe gastrointestinal disorder.

Before taking colchicine, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you have:

• a stomach ulcer;

• ulcerative colitis;

• Crohn's disease; or

• intestinal bleeding or other disorder.

If you have any of these conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests during to safely take colchicine.

This medication may be harmful to an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment. It is not known whether colchicine passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How should I take colchicine?

Take this medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not take it in larger amounts or for longer than recommended. Follow the directions on your prescription label.

To treat a gout attack, for best results take colchicine at the first sign of the attack. The longer you wait to start taking the medication, the less effective it may be.

Colchicine is usually taken every 2 hours until you feel relief from pain or until the medication causes side effects. Follow your doctor's instructions.

If you need to take a second course of colchicine, wait until at least 3 days have passed since the start of your last gout attack.

To prevent gout attacks, colchicine may be taken every day or several days a week. Follow your doctor's instructions.

If you use this medication over a long period of time, your blood may need to be tested on a regular basis. Do not miss any scheduled appointments.

Store colchicine at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then to take the medicine and skip the missed dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.