Colchicine

Last Updated: 2026-09-21

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Before starting treatment

Complete blood count, liver values, kidney values, lipids, pregnancy test, possibly thyroid values.

Format

p.o.

Dosage

3 × 0.5 to 3 × 1.0 mg/day.

Onset of effect

1 to 2 weeks.

Monitoring intervals

Complete blood count, liver function tests, kidney function tests monthly for 3 months, then every 3 months.

Contraindications

Absolute contraindications: pregnancy and breastfeeding; liver dysfunction, alcohol abuse, severe anaemia, concomitant use of ciclosporin A, severe cardiac insufficiency.

Relative contraindications: active hepatitis.

Caution

Anaemias, numerous drug interactions: investigate (drug interaction check), e.g. fluconazole, statins, erythromycin, ciclosporin, various antihypertensives, statins (rhabdomyolysis).

Anamnesis points, selected side effects and measures

Stomatitis, nausea, upper abdominal complaints, diarrhoea, vomiting, elevated transaminases ➝ Discontinue treatment. Contraception ➝ Obtain patient’s signature.

Duration of therapy

2 weeks to years, low maintenance doses possible, e.g. 0.5–1 mg/day.