Colchicine is used for treating and preventing pain associated
with gouty arthritis. It may also be used for other conditions as
determined by your doctor.For Acute Gouty Arthritis - The usual dose to relieve or abort an attack is 1 to 1.2 mg (two 0.5 mg granules or two 0.6 mg tablets). This dose may be followed by one unit of either preparation (granule or tablet) every hour, or two units every two hours, until pain is relieved or until diarrhea ensues. Each patient should learn the dose needed and should keep the drug at hand for use at the first sign of an attack. After the initial dose, it is sometimes sufficient to take 0.5 or 0.6 mg every two or three hours. The drug should be stopped if there is gastrointestinal discomfort or diarrhea. (Opiates may be needed to control diarrhea.) In subsequent attacks, the patient should be able to judge his medication requirement accurately enough to stop short of his "diarrheal dose." The total amount of colchicine needed to control pain and inflammation during an attack usually ranges from 4 to 8 mg. Articular pain and swelling typically abate within 12 hours and are usually gone in 24 to 48 hours, An interval of three days between colchicine courses is advised in order to minimize the possibility of cumulative toxicity.
Side effects include gastro-intestinal upset and neutropenia. High
doses can also damage bone marrow and lead to anaemia. Note that
all of these side effects can result from hyper-inhibition of mitosis
Pregnancy Category C. Colchicine has been shown to be teratogenic in mice when given doses of 1.25 and 1.5 mg/kg and in hamsters when given 10 mg/kg. There are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women. Colchicine should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus.
Symptoms of a colchicine overdose include nausea; vomiting; stomach pain; diarrhea; muscle weakness; burning in your throat, stomach, or skin; difficulty breathing; delirium; and seizures. An overdose of colchicine can result in death. If you suspect an overdose, seek immediate medical attention.