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Colchicine

Drug Class: Commonly Known As: Category:
Colcrys

Colchicine - Side Effects, Precautions, and Contraindications

What side effects can Colchicine cause?

Common side effects include:

  • Stomach pain or cramp
  • Loose stools or diarrhoea
  • Nausea or vomiting
    • Take the medication with or after food to reduce nausea

Some rare but serious side effects of this medicine include:

  • Tingling or numbness in your fingers or toes
  • Unusual bleeding or bruises
  • Unexplained muscle pain or weakness
  • Dark-colored urine

The symptoms of a drug allergy include one or more of the following:

  • Swollen face/eyes/lips/tongue
  • Difficulty in breathing
  • Itchy skin rashes over your whole body

If you experience any of these symptoms, you should stop your medication and see your healthcare professional immediately.

Before taking Colchicine , what precautions must I follow?

Inform your healthcare professional if:

  • You are allergic to this medication or any of the other ingredients of this medication.
  • You have a history of
    • Liver condition
    • Kidney condition
    • Blood disorder
  • You are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding.
  • You are taking any other medications, including supplements, traditional medications and herbal remedies.

What food or medicine must I avoid when I take Colchicine ?

​Avoid taking grapefruit or grapefruit juice while you are taking this medication as grapefruit might cause the amount of colchicine to increase in your body. Large amounts of colchicine can cause serious side effects.

Certain cholesterol-lowering, antibiotics, and hepatitis medications may cause the amount of colchicine to increase in your body that results in an increased risk of side effects.

Check with your healthcare professionals if you are taking any of the above medications.

  • Updated on 9/30/2021 12:00:00 AM
  • Article contributed by PSS National Medication Information Workgroup PSS National Medication Information Workgroup
The information provided is not intended as medical advice. Terms of use. Information provided by SingHealth

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