Which is Better for Gout, colchicine or allopurinol

Which one will it be, colchicine or allopurinol?

Gout is a condition that can cause excruciating and unbearable pain in the upper extremities and the feet. If you’re suffering from gout, it’s important to understand which type of medication is best for you.

Colchicine and allopurinol are two different types of medications that may be helpful for people who have a gout flare episode. Understanding both will help you make intelligent choices.

What are Gout Flares?

Gout flares are an episode of the excruciatingly painful and debilitating inflammatory arthritis known as gout. Gout flares typically affect just one joint, although they might, on occasion, affect two or more joints.

When a flare occurs, the objective of treatment is to end the pain and incapacity as quickly and safely as possible.

A gout flare is triggered by high uric acid levels in your blood, which results in acute gout attacks. The intense pain caused by acute gout flares is a result of the buildup of uric acid crystals in your joints.

Colchicine or Allopurinol?

Colchicine or allopurinol are two popular drugs to treat gout flares.

However, there are many misconceptions about colchicine or allopurinol. For example, many people think colchicine lowers uric acid levels in the body. It does not.

Many people also think that allopurinol is a pain reliever that quickly relieves pain. That is a myth and untrue.

The reason I am writing this article is to shed light on these common misconceptions of colchicine or allopurinol with the hope that understanding gout will lead to a pain-free life.

What is Colchicine?

Colchicine relieves pain in the afflicted joint by lowering swelling and the growth of uric acid crystals (s).

The medication, which is derived from the Colchicum autumnale, has been used to treat joint swelling since 1500 BC, but it wasn’t until 1961 that colchicine for acute gout received medical approval in the United States

You may wonder what is colchicine used for besides gout. Before going any further, be warned that colchicine is not a pain reliever. In addition to curing acute gout, flares, and Behçet’s illness, it is also used to control conditions like pericarditis and familial Mediterranean fever.

With colchicine, overdosing is a considerable problem due to its narrow therapeutic index.

Gastrointestinal upset is one of colchicine’s typical side effects, especially at high doses. Low blood cells and rhabdomyolysis are two severe adverse effects that may occur, and an overdose of the drug can be fatal.

Although it’s uncertain if colchicine is safe to take when pregnant, it seems to be safe to take while breastfeeding.

 

What is Allopurinol?

Allopurinol is a drug used to lower elevated blood uric acid levels; it is not a pain reliever. It is primarily used to avoid gout, certain kinds of kidney stones, and excessive uric acid levels that can come with chemotherapy. It can be ingested or administered intravenously.

Itching and redness are frequent adverse reactions when taken by mouth. When administered by injection, nausea and renal issues are frequent side effects.

In the United States, allopurinol received medical approval in 1966.

Allopurinol is seen to be quite safe to take for a very long time, according to the nhs.uk website. Any long-term effects are unlikely to occur.

Colchicine for Gout

Will colchicine stop a gout attack? In most instances, yes. If it doesn’t, you must see a doctor right away to prevent harm to your joints and overall health of your body.

How long does colchicine take to work on gout? Gout attacks can be efficiently treated with colchicine within the first 36 hours of the gout episode. Unfortunately, how fast does colchicine work for gout is an issue because it can take up to 24 hours for it to start working properly.

If you can’t use NSAIDs and need to treat your gout, consider colchicine is an alternative.

“NSAIDs” is an abbreviation for “nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications.” Ibuprofen, naproxen, and diclofenac are three examples of NSAIDs.

The colchicine dose for attacks seems to be well taken in small dosages, and it may lessen gout pain and symptoms (1.2 mg in one hour, followed by 0.6 mg an hour later).

The effectiveness of colchicine for treatment in low dose may be comparable to that of NSAIDS, but adverse effects such vomiting, nausea, and diarrhea can develop with higher doses.

Dose of Colchicine for Gout

There is preliminary evidence that daily colchicine (0.6 mg twice daily) may be useful for long-term gout prevention of gout attacks when used with allopurinol to lower the risk of elevated uric acid levels and acute flares. However, it should be noted that adverse gastrointestinal symptoms may occur.

According to the website medsafe.govt.nz, when treating an acute gout attacks, the recommended maximum dose of colchicine is 6 mg (10 tablets). Colchicine should be taken at an initial dose of 1.2 milligrams, and then one tablet should be taken every two hours after that.

Colchicine should be taken at an initial dose of 1.2 milligrams, and then one tablet should be taken every two hours after that. In individuals who are over the age of 65, weigh less than 50 kilograms, or have a preexisting condition that affects either their kidneys or livers, an alternative treatment method or a maximum dose of 3 milligrams of colchicine should be utilized.

When a patient has signs of an overdose, they should be taken to a place that provides critical life support services.

Recent research has shown that it is possible to take a lethal amount of colchicine before experiencing any relief from the symptoms of gout or producing diarrhea.

Because of this, the recommendations for how much colchicine to take have been changed.

6mg maximum dose in acute gout

The medsafe.govt.nz website continued by stating that a starting dose of 1.2 milligrams (two 0.6 milligram tablets) of colchicine is now recommended in the approved dosage instructions for the treatment of acute gout.

Then, one tablet is given every two hours until the pain is gone or until diarrhea or other stomach problems start to show up. The maximum dose is 6 milligrams, which is 10 tablets.

3mg maximum dose for at risk individuals

Other treatments, such as a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agent (NSAIA) or high dose (20-40mg) short-term oral prednisone or prednisolone, should be considered for elderly patients, patients weighing less than 50 kilograms, and patients with renal or hepatic impairment.

These patients should be treated with caution. In the event that these patients are prescribed colchicine, the most cumulative dose that should be given is 3 mg.

The medsafe.govt.nz clearly stated that it is not recommended to repeat the intensive regimen for at least three days.

According to medsafe.govt.nz, it is not recommended to resume a rigorous course of colchicine treatment until there has been a break of at least three days between the individual treatments.

On the other hand, maintenance therapy, which consists of taking one tablet every day, can be started the day after an acute episode has been treated.

Let me reiterate that the purpose of this article is to provide information. You must consult your doctor about medication.

Colchicine Generic Name

Colchicine is the generic name of the drug and is sold under various brand names. Some of the popular brands of colchicine are Colcrys, Gloperba, and Mitigare in the United States. 

According to the website www.tctmd.com, colchicine costs only 26 cents per pill in Canada which is why cheaper compared to the prices in the United States where it is sold at $4 to $6 per tablet.

How Long Does Gout Last with Colchicine

Colchicine will alter the function of your white blood cells, and this contributes to a reduction in inflammation. After around 30 minutes to 2 hours, colchicine may begin to show its effects.

On the other hand, it is possible that it will be at least two days before you notice that the inflammation and discomfort in your body are beginning to improve.

Gout cannot be cured with colchicine, although taking it regularly can help prevent future accute gout flare episodes. When there is an abnormally high concentration of uric acid in the blood, gout can develop.

When uric acid in a joint creates inflammation (which is characterized by pain, redness, swelling, and heat), a gout attack will ensue.

It is important to keep in mind that colchicine is not a typical painkiller and will not alleviate the majority of types of pain.

Alternative to Colchicine for Gout

While there is no certain cure for gout, there are a few home remedies that may help alleviate symptoms quickly.

However, if the pain is severe, abrupt, or getting worse, you should see a doctor immediately.

Analgesics are available without a prescription.

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen (Advil) and naproxen (Aleve) can help relieve the pain and swelling that come with gout.

There could be a delay of up to 24 hours before you feel any improvement.

Applying a topical rub to the painful and swollen areas

Aspercreme, or one with capsaicin or other calming ingredients, can help with the pain and swelling.

Ice the injured joints until the pain subsides.

Applying ice to the affected area is one of the simplest and natural ways to relieve inflammation during a gout attack.

Applying ice to the region may also help dull the discomfort.

Get enough fluids in your system.

While this probably won’t help right away, research has linked dehydration to the formation of urate crystals.

Uric acid crystals may be eliminated through urination.

Some preliminary studies suggest that reducing the frequency of gout attacks can be achieved by drinking plenty of water in the 24 hours prior to an attack.

Pharmaceutical Medication

Used for a short period of time, corticosteroids such as prednisone or methylprednisolone may also be beneficial.

While there are concerns over the long-term effects of corticosteroid use, their use for shorter periods of time is generally safe.

If your gout symptoms are severe and you have tried over-the-counter and home treatments without success, it may be time to contact a doctor about the possibility of a prescription medication.

Avoid Grapefruit if Taking Colchicine

By raising the amount of colchicine in your body, grapefruit and grapefruit juice may intensify the effects of this medication. While taking this medication, you shouldn’t consume grapefruit or grapefruit juice because doing so would be equivalent to taking an overdose.

Suggested reading: (Colchicine) Colcrys Side Effects- Its Improper Use Can Be Deadly”

Allopurinol for Gout

Allopurinol is not a pain reliever. Allopurinol is used to lower elevated blood uric acid levels. It is primarily used to avoid gout, certain kinds of kidney stones, and excessive uric acid levels that can come with chemotherapy.

In tablet form, it can be swallowed or administered intravenously.

Allopurinol was approved for use in the United States in 1966 and is listed as one of the essential medicines by the World Health Organization. 

With more than 15 million prescriptions written in 2019, it was the 43rd most prescribed drug in the US.

Itching and redness are frequent adverse reactions when taken by mouth. When administered by injection, nausea and renal issues are frequent side effects.

Allopurinol looks to be safe to begin taking during a gout episode, despite it not traditionally being advised. It should be continued even during an acute gout attack in patients who are currently taking the drug.

Although it doesn’t seem to be harmful, usage during pregnancy hasn’t been thoroughly researched. The class of drugs known as xanthine oxidase inhibitors includes allopurinol.

How Effective is Allopurinol for Gout?

The drug allopurinol is very good in lowering uric acid levels.

Depending on sex, uric acid levels can differ. For women, the normal ranges range from 1.5 to 6.0 milligrams/deciliter (mg/dL) and for men, 2.5 to 7.0 mg/dL.

The good news is that research on these drugs revealed that the majority of participants were able to reduce their uric acid levels to below 6.5 mg/dL.The majority of doctors think that using these drugs can successfully stop gout problems.

However, the research didn’t examine that enough.

Therefore, it is impossible to predict precisely what gout sufferers can anticipate from long-term treatment with these drugs, such as how frequently gout attacks can be prevented or how effectively the medicines can prevent joint deterioration.

Gout Attack While Taking Allopurinol?

Does Allopurinol Cause Gout Flare? Taking colchicine with allopurinol has been an issue I have come across.

There is a common misconception that allopurinol causes gout, and I think this misconception is based the experience of a gout flare getting worse before it gets better.

Allopurinol does not work instantly, and the drug is not a pain reliever.

What the drug does is lower the uric acid level in the body. It may take several days, if not weeks, to reduce the level of uric acid. You may have more gout attacks for some time after starting allopurinol.

How Long Should You Take Allopurinol for Gout

It depends on a variety of factors how long one should take allopurinol, and one shouldn’t self-medicate. A patient’s condition should always be evaluated by a doctor.

To put it simply, there is no one size fits all when it comes to drugs. To manage their uric acid level and stop gout attacks, however, many gout patients take allopurinol for an extended period of time as a maintenance drug.

Stop Allopurinol During Gout Attack?

Although it has been suggested that those who are on allopurinol and colchicine should cease taking one or the other, I haven’t come across any articles that support this.

Colchicine is used to reduce uric acid crystals in order to relieve discomfort. Both medications work well together because the goal of allopurinol is to lower uric acid levels in the body.

Gout affects more than eight million people in the United States today. If you fall within this category, your doctor may have advised you to take an allopurinol-based urate-lowering medication (ULT).

Allopurinol reduces uric acid production in the body, which can help to prevent gout flare-ups.

But allopurinol is only one component of the treatment. In addition to colchicine, your doctor might advise it if you take allopurinol.

Allopurinol and colchicine, or another anti-inflammatory drug, are frequently used by individuals with gout as part of a therapy plan for gout flare prevention. Ask your doctor what is best for you.

Which is Better for Gout Colchicine or Allopurinol?

Both colchicine and allopurinol help alleviate gout pain and may even prevent disabling acute gout flare attacks from occurring again. It is important to be aware that both medications serve different purposes to avoid gout attacks.

The evidence is clear that colchicine and allopurinol work like a team, and if your doctor tells you to take it, it is best to follow medical advice and not self-medicate.

What Does “Good Rx Colchicine” Mean & What is Considered Safe Colcrys Dosing?

When googling about Colcrys (generic name: colchicine), it might be better to type “is colchicine good prescription” instead of “good Rx colchicine“.

Doing the first might give you better results than the later.

When it comes to the medicine’s dosage, there are many things to think about. One must be aware of the dangers of colchicine misuse to prevent unnecessary negative health consequences.

Some of the most important ones are age, weight, and general health, and the dosage of the medication being taken.

Even though it is important to talk to a doctor about medications, it is also important to know what is considered a safe dose for each person.

Understanding Prescriptions: “Good Rx Colchicine” & Safe Colcrys Dosing

The Meaning of the Acronym “Rx”

Rx is often found on physician’s prescription pads and signs in pharmacies. It is the abbreviation for a medical prescription. According to various sources, the “R” in Rx is derived from the Latin term “recipe,” meaning “Take.”

However, some theories suggest that Rx was created from the Eye of Horus, an ancient Egyptian symbol of medicinal healing powers. The “x” in Rx however, is said to represent the number of times the medicine is taken, but based on my research, there does not seem to be a definitive answer to the question.

Will Colchicine Stop a Gout Attack?

When the uric acid crystallizes, it can form sharp, needle-like deposits in the joints, leading to inflammation and pain. One common treatment for gout is Colsrys. Will colchicine stop a gout attack?

You bet it will, but not instantly. What Colcrys will do is break down the crystals and reduce inflammation.

So will colchicine stop a gout attack? The answer is a resounding “yes.” Colcrys and similar medicines can help to stop a gout attack in its tracks most of the time.

However, it is important to start taking colchicine as soon as possible after symptoms begin, so be aware of the early warning signs of a gout attack.

Colcrys Gout

When taking Colcrys gout medication, you must be aware that colchicine (the generic name of Colcrys gout medicine) has a risky record. 

For example, a 51-year-old man with a history of gout visited the hospital because he was experiencing stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.

He claimed to have consumed 230 colchicine tablets (115 g) and a bottle of whiskey roughly 14 hours prior. After the course of treatment had begun, he passed away around 27 hours later.

The GI tract showed alterations at the autopsy that were consistent with colchicine poisoning. Colchicine was detected in blood samples taken at admission at a level of 0.10 mg/kg.

I can’t say enough about how important it is to follow your doctor’s orders when taking Colcrys gout medication.

What is Safe Colcrys Dosing?

Based on the Mayo Clinic website, for safe Colcrys dosing, adults can take 0.6 milligrams (mg) (5 milliliters [mL]) 1 or 2 times a day to benefit or fight against gout.

Your doctor can also modify your dose as needed. But often, the dosage is limited to 1.2 mg per day and if children use the medication, your doctor will determine the dose.

Be sure to follow the dose strictly and never exceed the doctor’s prescribed dose. You must strictly follow safe Colcrys dosing.

How To Take Colcrys for Gout Attack

When you have a gout attack, it is important to take Colcrys as soon as possible. Colcrys can help to stop the attack and reduce inflammation. To take Colcrys for a gout attack, follow these steps:

• Make sure you have a prescription from your doctor.
• You may take Colcrys with or without food.
• Strictly follow your doctor’s instructions.
• If you are not sure what dose to take, check with your doctor.
• Stop taking this medicine as soon as the pain is gone or if you start to feel sick, throw up, have stomach pain, or diarrhea.. Also, stop taking the medication when you’ve taken the most your doctor told you to for each attack, even if the pain isn’t gone or you don’t have any of these side effects..
• Drink plenty of fluids while taking Colcrys to help flush out the uric acid crystals that are causing the attack.

Colchicine can be dangerous if improperly used, always consult your doctor about safe Colcrys dosing.

Aside From Gout, What is Colcrys Used For?

Most people think that what is Colcrys used for is only for the treatment of gout. Colcrys is also used to treat familial Mediterranean fever (FMF), which is an inherited disease that affects adults and children older than 4 years old and causes fever, pain, and swelling in the stomach, lungs, and joints.

Colchicine is not a pain reliever and cannot be used to treat pain brought on by conditions other than gout or FM. In gout, It functions by halting the formation of gout crystals  that result in swelling. 

In Familial Mediterranean fever (FMF): The drug is very effective at stopping familial Mediterranean fever FMF attacks and preventing the growth of amyloidosis.

 Amyloidosis is an uncommon, severe illness brought on by the accumulation of an abnormal protein called amyloid in various body organs and tissues.

The signs and symptoms resemble those of rheumatoid arthritis. Muscle deterioration and alterations could be brought on by amyloid deposits in muscle tissue.

Colchicine Lupus? Colchicine to Treat Pericarditis?

There is a growing belief that colchicine may be helpful for acute or recurrent pericarditis, in addition to gout and FMF.

According to a report posted on pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov, this is the case. In ten cases reported in the article, the drug may have been a quick and efficient treatment for pericarditis in systemic lupus erythematosus.

Is Colchicine Safe for Kidney

Does Colchicine Damage Kidneys? The drug is generally safe if the proper does is followed, however, colchicine can damage the kidney If improperly taken .

For example, a patient took 20 mg of colchicine by accident. During the first three days after being poisoned by colchicine, the person had gastroenterocolitis, became dehydrated, and had kidney failure.

The patient also got fewer white blood cells, fewer platelets, and mild damage to the liver cells.

Some people have gotten sick from taking too much of the medication because they misunderstood how much to take to treat an acute attack of gout.

A low-dose treatment protocol could help stop these mistakes from happening.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, Colcrys and similar medicines can be a very effective way to treat gout, but it is important to use it correctly in order to achieve the best results.

By understanding the benefits of colchicine and following the proper dosage instructions, you can help get your gout under control and achieve quick relief.

Colcrys Side Effects: Its Improper Use Can Be Deadly

Some people may not realize that colchicine (Colcrys side effects, a medication used to treat mild and acute gout, can also be deadly. Overdoes of colchicine can result in serious complications such as heart failure, liver failure, multiple organ failure, and even death. Be mindful of colchicine side effects so that you can act accordingly for your safety.

Introduction: What is Colchicine?

It is a medication that is used to treat gout, a type of arthritis that affects the joints in the feet and legs. It is also used to treat kidney stones. It works by breaking up the crystals that form in a joint, but numerous adverse effects of the medicine have been recorded due to misuse.

What is Colchicine Made Of?

Colchicine is an alkaloid that was initially recommended for the treatment of gout in the sixth century A.D. The medicine was derived from two plants in the lily family called autumn crocus colchicum autumnale and Gloriosa superba. It is still frequently used in modern medicine for the treatment of acute gout.

Colchicum Autumnale

The autumn crocus colchicum autumnale, or meadow saffronis is a toxic flowering plant that blooms in the fall and looks like a crocus but is actually a member of the family colchicaceae. Despite the common moniker, “naked ladies” refers to the fact that the flowers arise before the leaves do. 

Gloriosa Superba

Common names for this plant include fire lily, tiger claw, agnishikha, tiger lily, tiger paw, gloriosa lily, and agnishikha.

This plant is poisonous; even small amounts can be harmful to humans and animals. It has been used to commit murder, commit suicide, and kill animals. The tuberous rhizomes are particularly toxic, but the entire plant is hazardous. This plant, like others in the Colchicaceae family, contains the poisonous alkaloid colchicine in rather high concentrations. It also contains the alkaloid gloriocine. A toxic dose of plant material can cause nausea, vomiting, numbness and tingling in the mouth, burning in the throat, abdominal pain diarrhea nausea, all within a few hours.

When was Colchicine Discovered?

Imagine what acute gout flares must have been like before the discovery of medicine. In the 18th century colchicine was the main ingredient of Eau Medicinale, a commercial treatment for gout invented by a French military officer named Nicolas Husson.

But if it was not for Nicolas Husson, the Americans would have been suffering from gout for a long time. It was Benjamin Franklin is credited with introducing the medication to the United States after using it to successfully cure his gout.

In 1820, French scientists Pierre-Joseph Pelletier and Joseph-Bienaimé Caventou discovered the medication, and in 1833, German scientist Philipp Lorenz Geiger refined the active constituent and gave it the name colchicine.

Despite its lengthy history of use, the FDA did not approve it for the treatment of gout or familial Mediterranean fever FMF until 2009, as part of the Unapproved Drugs Initiative.

Colchicine’s involvement in the treatment of coronary artery disease and even COVID-19 infection is being researched, and it is used to treat a wide range of dermatological disorders in addition to gout and familial Mediterranean fever FMF.

Who Makes Colchicine?

Many of you may wonder who makes the medicine. There are hundreds of companies worldwide that make it. There are who just produce generic medicine that is brandless and some are branded such as Colcrys and Mitigare which are popular in the US. In India and China, there are hundreds of companies who make the medication.

Colchicine Side Effects

It is generally considered to be a safe drug, with no serious side effects. However, patients need to consult their doctor before taking the medicine. Even when following the right dose, some people have experienced abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and another discomfort. Misuse has resulted in multiple organ failures and even death.

Common Colchicine Side Effects

When taking the medicine, some people may experience common colchicine side effects such as diarrhea, nausea, abdominal pain, and vomiting. If these side effects occur, it is important to seek medical help right away. In some cases, more serious side effects such as chest pain and shortness of breath may occur. 

Rare Colchicine Side Effects

Some of the rare side effects are:

• Black tarry stools
• Blood in the urine or stools
• A burning, “crawling”, or tingling feeling in the skin
• Difficulty with breathing when exercising
• Having a fever with or without chills
• A headache
• Large hive-like swellings on the face, eyelids, mouth, lips, or even the tongue
• Experiencing muscle weakness
• Feeling of numbness in the fingers or toes
• Usually mild a pain
• The peeling of the skin
• Having pinpoint red spots on the skin
• Having redness of the skin
• Having a skin rash or hives
• A sore throat
• Sores, ulcers, or white spots on the lips or in the mouth
• Swelling and tenderness
• Having unusual bleeding or bruising
• Experiencing unusual tiredness or weakness

Foods to Avoid When Taking Colchicine Orally

Its effects could be worsened by grapefruit and grapefruit juice since they increase the drug’s concentration in the body, which is the same as taking an overdose. You shouldn’t consume any foods or beverages containing grapefruit or grapefruit juice while taking this medication. Additionally, grapefruit and grapefruit juice have been linked to an abrupt increase in blood pressure.

Colchicine Side Effects Kidney

By mistake, the patient ingested 20 milligrams of the medicine. The victim experienced kidney failure, dehydration, and gastroenterocolitis in the first three days following the poisoning. The patient also experienced a slight injury to the liver cells as well as a decrease in platelets and white blood cells. Colchicine overdose-related renal failure can result from a variety of factors, including fluid loss, low blood pressure, rhabdomyolysis, and organ failure in general. The fact that the patient in this example recovered quickly after receiving fluids indicates that the acute renal insufficiency was most likely caused by hypovolemia. The usage of indomethacin probably exacerbated the impact of colchicine on the kidneys and bone marrow. Like in this case, some colchicine poisonings occur when the dosage used to treat an acute gout attack is miscalculated. A low-dose therapy regimen might aid in preventing these errors.

Colchicine Deaths: How Much Colchicine is Fatal?

Even at therapeutic doses, toxicity can kill (7 mg). A serious overdose can damage many organs and is almost always fatal. There is a case study of someone who took too much of it on purpose.

A 51-year-old man who had a history of gout went to the hospital because he was having stomach pain, feeling sick, throwing up, and having diarrhea. He said that about 14 hours earlier, he had taken 230 colchicine tablets (115 g) and a bottle of whiskey. Treatment was started, but about 27 hours after he took the medication, he died. At the autopsy, changes in the GI tract were consistent with colchicine toxicity. Blood samples taken at admission showed a level of colchicine of 0.10 mg/kg.

Another report talks about how a total dose of 9.3 mg of the medicine can be fatal. Leukopenia, thrombocytopenia, and low blood pressure were all signs of the reaction. Disseminated intravascular coagulation and metabolic acidosis. At the autopsy, the bone marrow was found to have very few cells, the trachea and esophagus had abnormal epithelial cells, the liver was damaged in the middle, there was sepsis, and small blood vessels were blocked by fibrin thrombi. There is talk about how the medicine could be harmful.

What to do if you experience a Colchicine Overdose: Emergencies and treatment

If you suspect you are experiencing an overdose of from the medicine, seek medical help immediately. Colchicine poisoning should be suspected in people over the age of 30 who have a history of arthritis or gout and show early gastrointestinal symptoms like nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, or late symptoms like multisystem failure.

Many doctors recommend taking the medication until the gout goes away or until nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea show up. This recommendation can lead to unintentional colchicine overdose, and since the medicine is not a pain reliever and may take up to 12 hours to relieve gout symptoms, many people may not seek treatment until their organs are severely damaged.

If significant multisystem toxicity happens, the arterial blood gases, electrocardiogram, coagulation panel, liver function tests, creatine phosphokinase (CPK), troponin, and urinalysis should be watched. Patients with no symptoms should be watched for at least eight hours to see if they start to throw up, have diarrhea, or show any other early GI symptoms.

Any person with symptoms who might have been poisoned by the medicine should have their heart monitored continuously until their symptoms go away. This is because there is a chance of serious damage to many organs, including irregular heartbeats.

Patients who recover from initial colchicine toxicity must be watched for signs and symptoms of infection. They may also need a complete blood count (CBC) three to seven days after taking it because of the risk of delayed pancytopenia.

Seek medical attention or speak to a medical professional immediately if you suspect you have an overdose.

Conclusion: Remember, Colchicine Side Effects Can Be Deadly

The World Health Organization reported that roughly 41.22 million people suffer from gout (WHO). The medication has assisted a substantially sizable percentage of these gout sufferers with their pain. While it has been linked to very few fatalities such as the case where there was multiple organ failure and another one with disseminated intravascular coagulation, the proportion of those aided by the drug outweighs those who have died as a result of taking it. Simply put, there are dire implications to the wrong use of any medicine.

The purpose of this article is to draw the reader’s attention to the importance of ensuring that the correct dosage of the amazing medicine known as colchicine is taken and as a reminder always consult a doctor and never be self-educated.