Colchicine Side Effects

The benefits of gout pain relief can make colchicine side effects unimportant for many.
For many years it was the main remedy treating gout pain.
As it often causes stomach problems, it is being replaced with newer types of anti-inflammatory pain killers by many doctors.

This information will help you discuss side effects and benefits of colchicine with your doctor to see if it is right for you.

As a component of the plant, autumn crocus or meadow saffron (Colchicum autumnale), it has been used for over 2000 years to treat gout.
In 1820 it was first extracted as colchicine by French chemists.

Colchicine is an unusual treatment in that it does not relieve most types of pain, but it is very effective for gout pain.

It works by reducing swelling and can be prescribed, in large doses, as a pain relief treatment or in small doses as a preventative.

Pain relief

For pain relief, colchicine should be taken as soon as a gout attack starts. The most common colchicine side effects are diarrhea and sickness. You must stop taking the drug as soon as this happens, or when you have taken the maximum prescribed dose. Keep a note of how many doses caused the sickness and reduce your dosage to one less than this in future. Stop taking colchicine as soon as the pain subsides, and do not start it again for at least 3 days. This drug can build up in the body with serious consequences, so you must never take more than prescribed.

Gout Prevention

Small doses taken daily can reduce the intensity of future gout attacks. The worst colchicine side effect in this situation can be reduction of white blood cells. It is important to have regular blood checks if you are taking colchicine in this way.

Long term use of colchicine can also lead to breathing difficulties.

Antibiotic Warning

Clarithromycin, an antibiotic usually sold under the brand name of Biaxin or Klaricid, can have serious effects on colchicine. It causes colchicine to build up in the body, possibly to toxic levels. In some cases, especially people with kidney problems, the colchicine build up can be fatal. If you are taking colchicine, do not take clarithromycin. Ask your doctor about alternative antibiotics or alternatiive pain relief.

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Gout Relief Measurement Page Created: Before 2008 - Last Reviewed: 1^st October 2008