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Colchicine

Brand names: Colcrys, Mitigare, Gloperba, Lodoco

Colchicine treats and prevents gout flares and treats some other inflammatory conditions.

Brand namesColcrys, Mitigare, Gloperba, Lodoco
Type of medicineAnti-inflammatory (gout medicine)
Prescription?Prescription
ImportantThis page is general information, not a prescription. Don't start, stop, or change a medicine without talking to your provider or pharmacist.

Overview

Starting it within the first 12 to 24 hours of a gout flare works best.

A low-dose form is approved to lower heart attack and stroke risk.

What it's used for

  • Gout flares (treatment and prevention)
  • Familial Mediterranean fever
  • Off-label: pericarditis
  • Lowering heart attack and stroke risk (Lodoco)

How to take it

  • Follow your label exactly for flares; the dose is small and limited.
  • Don't take more because the pain hasn't stopped.

Your dose depends on your health and other medicines. Always follow your prescription label, and ask your pharmacist if anything is unclear.

Side effects

Common side effects

  • Diarrhea
  • Nausea
  • Stomach cramps
Call 911Severe vomiting or diarrhea with weakness, numbness, or very little urine (possible toxicity)
Call your provider todayMuscle pain or weakness
Call your provider todayFever, sore throat, or unusual bruising or bleeding

Warnings

  • Toxic doses are close to treatment doses.
  • Doses are lower with kidney or liver disease.

Other medicines, foods, and alcohol

  • Clarithromycin, ketoconazole, itraconazole, ritonavir, cyclosporine, diltiazem, and verapamil can raise colchicine to deadly levels.
  • Avoid grapefruit juice.
  • Statins and fibrates raise the risk of muscle damage.

Tell your provider and pharmacist about every medicine, vitamin, and supplement you take.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Talk with your provider.

Missed doses, overdose, and storage

If you miss a dose

Take it as soon as you remember, unless it's almost time for your next dose. Then skip the missed dose. Don't take two doses at once.

If someone takes too much

Call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222 or get help online at poison.org. Call 911 if the person collapses, has a seizure, has trouble breathing, or can't be woken.

Storing it

Store at room temperature, away from heat and moisture (not in the bathroom), and out of reach of children and pets.

Conditions it's used for

Sources

Last updated 2026-11-13.