Colchicine
What it's for
Colchicine treats gout attacks by reducing inflammation and pain. It works best when taken at the first sign of a gout attack. It can also prevent future attacks.
Comes as: Tablets
How to take it
- For acute gout: Usually 500 micrograms 2 to 4 times daily until pain improves.
- Maximum 6mg per course, do not repeat within 3 days.
- For prevention: Usually 500 micrograms once or twice daily.
- Take with or without food.
Doses here are typical. Always follow the instructions from your prescriber or on the packet — they come first.
Common side effects
- Diarrhoea (common - may mean dose is too high)
- Feeling sick or vomiting
- Stomach pain
The leaflet inside the packet lists all known side effects.
Important safety points
- Stop taking if you get diarrhoea
- Very dangerous in overdose - never take more than prescribed
- Many medicines interact with colchicine - check with your pharmacist
- Tell your doctor if you have kidney or liver problems
Get medical help urgently if…
- You have severe diarrhoea or vomiting
- You have taken more than prescribed
- You have muscle weakness or pain
- You have unusual bleeding or bruising
Call NHS 111 for urgent advice, or 999 if someone is seriously unwell.
Before you act on anything here
This page is general information, written to help you understand — it is not personal medical advice and it cannot tell you what is right for you. Talk to your own GP, pharmacist or nurse about your own health.
- Need help now but it's not an emergency? Call NHS 111 or use 111.nhs.uk.
- Emergency? Call 999 or go to A&E.