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What does it do?

Colchicine is used to treat and prevent gout attacks. It is sometimes used for other conditions.

Before you start

  • Tell your doctor if you have kidney, liver, heart, blood, muscle or stomach problems, or bowel disease.
  • Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding.
  • Colchicine can affect fertility – discuss this with your doctor.

How should you take it?

Take colchicine as directed with a glass of water.

What if you forget a dose?

If it is nearly time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the usual time. Otherwise, take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Do not take two doses at the same time.

Can you take other medicines?

Some medicines available without a prescription may react with colchicine including:

  • fluconazole (e.g. Diflucan®)

Tell your pharmacist or doctor about all medicines or treatments that you may be taking, including vitamins, herbal products (e.g. St John's wort) or recreational drugs.

What side effects might you notice?

Side EffectsRecommended action

Diarrhoea

Nausea, vomiting, stomach pain

Skin rash, itching

Reduced number of blood cells that fight infections or help your blood to clot - symptoms include: fever, chills, sore throat or generally feeling unwell, or easy or unusual bruising or bleeding

Stop taking and see your doctor immediately

Tingling or numbness

Muscle weakness

Tell your doctor

Hair loss or thinning, loss of appetite

Tell your doctor if troublesome

If you notice any other effects, discuss them with your doctor or pharmacist.

Other information:

  • If you are taking colchicine for a gout attack, do not take more than the maximum total dose advised by your doctor. If you have taken colchicine in the last 3 days, do not start another course. Discuss with your doctor.
  • Grapefruit, grapefruit juice or sour/Seville oranges may react with colchicine. Discuss with your pharmacist.

This leaflet contains important, but not all, information about this medicine.

Prepared by the MyMedicines Committee at Christchurch Hospital, Te Whatu Ora - Waitaha, New Zealand. March 2023

For more general information about this sheet and its contents, see: What does a My Medicines sheet cover?

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About My Medicines

My Medicines Patient Information Leaflets (PILs) contain important, but not all, information about the medicines they describe.

For more information about the sheets, see: What does a My Medicines sheet cover?

My Medicines is developed by a team at Te Whatu Ora – Waitaha. Our team is made up of doctors, pharmacists, and a non-medical person to help us keep to plain language. We also discuss our information with specialist health professionals or groups when needed