Anti-inflammatoryPrescription only
Colchicine
Tablet
Quick Summary
Colchicine reduces inflammation caused by uric acid crystals.
Gout attacks
Flare prevention
Medical Uses
Gout attacks: Started early.
Flare prevention: Short-term.
How it's taken
Take exactly as prescribed; don't exceed the dose.
Your doctor decides the right dose for you. Follow their instructions and the label.
Common Side Effects
Diarrhoea
Stop if severe.
Nausea
And vomiting.
Muscle weakness
Rarely.
Interactions
Clarithromycin, some antifungals and statins
Can cause toxicity.
Critical Warnings
Overdose
Black Box Warning: Very dangerous; store safely.
Kidney and liver problems
Dose adjustment.
Sources and further reading
Last updated 21 October 2026. For more detail, see these trusted health organisations.
- Colchicine: drug information(opens in a new tab) · MedlinePlus, US National Library of Medicine
- Colchicine: a medicine to treat gout(opens in a new tab) · NHS