TabletsClinical Overview
Colchicine Tablets (0.5mg) is an ancient, alkaloid antimitotic anti-inflammatory agent on the WHO Model List of Essential Medicines derived from Colchicum autumnale. It binds with high affinity to tubulin dimers, preventing microtubule assembly and causing microtubule depolymerization. This disrupts leukocyte chemotaxis, phagocytosis, lysosomal degranulation, and suppresses NLRP3 inflammasome activation, preventing interleukin-1beta processing and halting the acute inflammatory cascade triggered by monosodium urate crystals. Indicated for treatment of acute gout flares, prophylaxis of gout flares during initiation of urate-lowering therapy, and Familial Mediterranean Fever (FMF).
Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients
Verified Clinical References
Usage Guidelines
Acute gout flare: Take orally 1.0 mg (two 0.5 mg tablets) immediately at the earliest sign of a flare, followed by 0.5 mg (one tablet) 1 hour later (total acute dose = 1.5 mg). Wait 12 hours before resuming daily prophylaxis. DO NOT exceed this low-dose regimen; historic high-dose regimens cause severe toxicity with zero added efficacy. Gout prophylaxis: Take 0.5 mg once or twice daily. Swallow whole with water.
General Administration Advice: Adhere strictly to the prescribed dosage, frequency, and treatment course. For oral medications, swallow with sufficient water. Never stop antibiotics, psychiatric medications, or antihypertensives abruptly without clinical direction.
Possible Side Effects
Common: Gastrointestinal distress (dose-dependent diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramping occur in up to 25-50% and serve as early signs of toxicity). Rare/Severe: Fatal bone marrow aplasia / agranulocytosis, severe rhabdomyolysis and myopathy (especially when combined with statins), and peripheral neuropathy.
*Note: Individual physiological responses vary. While many patients experience few or no side effects, notify your treating physician if adverse reactions persist or if hypersensitivity (angioedema, skin rash, dyspnea) occurs.
Precautions & Warnings
Extremely narrow therapeutic index; accidental overdose is frequently FATAL. Black Box Warning: Potentially fatal drug interactions with strong CYP3A4 inhibitors (clarithromycin, ketoconazole) and P-glycoprotein inhibitors (cyclosporine); combination is strictly contraindicated in patients with renal or hepatic impairment. Reduce dose in renal impairment. Concomitant use with statins increases risk of severe rhabdomyolysis.
Schedule H (Prescription Required)
This medication is scheduled under statutory drug regulatory frameworks (CDSCO / Drugs & Cosmetics Rules). Dispensing requires a valid medical prescription from a registered medical practitioner. Self-medication or unsupervised dosage adjustment carries significant clinical risks.
Medical Disclaimer: Statutory Clinical Disclaimer: The information provided is for educational and price-transparency purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, clinical diagnosis, or analgesic treatment guidance. Always consult a registered physician or orthopedic specialist before taking pain relievers, anti-inflammatory medications, or anti-arthritic therapies.