Colchicine
Colchicine reduces inflammation in acute gout attacks and may be used for familial Mediterranean fever in specialist care. It is not a painkiller in the paracetamol sense — it targets crystal-triggered inflammation.
This medicine is part of the Pain relief category.
Generic name: colchicine
Quick answers
Short replies to searches people often run before speaking to a clinician. For the overview of what the medicine is used for, see the short summary under the page title above.
What is it for?
Colchicine reduces inflammation in acute gout attacks and may be used for familial Mediterranean fever in specialist care.
How long does it take to work?
Onset varies by condition and dose. Your GP or pharmacist can explain what to expect and when to review.
What are common side effects?
Diarrhoea, nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain are dose-related warning signs.
Can you take paracetamol or ibuprofen with it?
Ask your GP or pharmacist before taking Colchicine with paracetamol or ibuprofen. Many adults use paracetamol for short periods when appropriate; NSAIDs such as ibuprofen need extra checks with your other medicines and health conditions.
More about what Colchicine is used for
Colchicine reduces inflammation in acute gout attacks and may be used for familial Mediterranean fever in specialist care.
It is not a painkiller in the Paracetamol sense — it targets crystal-triggered inflammation.
How does Colchicine work, and how long does it take to work?
It disrupts inflammatory cell activity responding to urate crystals, easing pain and swelling over 12–24 hours in many attacks.
Low-dose regimens are preferred to reduce gut side effects.
How and when should you take Colchicine?
Follow the exact course your prescriber gives — often frequent small doses early in flare, then stop, or a preventive low dose in selected patients.
Do not exceed cumulative doses if diarrhoea starts — contact your GP.
What are the common side effects of Colchicine?
Diarrhoea, nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain are dose-related warning signs.
Serious side effects of Colchicine — when to get urgent help
Seek urgent help for severe diarrhoea with dehydration, muscle pain suggesting toxicity, blood in stool, or bone marrow suppression signs (fever, infections).
What if you miss a dose of Colchicine?
For flare regimens, follow the printed schedule; if unsure after vomiting doses, ring your GP surgery for advice.
Who should not take Colchicine?
Severe kidney or liver impairment, blood disorders, and pregnancy need specialist decisions. Many drug interactions raise colchicine levels.
Can you take paracetamol or ibuprofen with Colchicine? — other interactions
Clarithromycin, erythromycin, some statins, Diltiazem, Verapamil, and grapefruit juice can dangerously increase colchicine — always check new antibiotics.
Colchicine in pregnancy and breastfeeding
Discuss with your prescriber — use only when clearly needed.
Blood tests and monitoring on Colchicine
Kidney function guides dosing; stop and seek advice if diarrhoea or muscle symptoms appear.
What might your GP prescribe instead of Colchicine?
NSAIDs or steroids may be used for gout flares if colchicine is unsuitable.
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Reviewed by UK registered pharmacists for accuracy and clarity. Content is informational only.
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Frequently asked questions about Colchicine
People also ask — common Google searches
- What is Colchicine used for?
- Colchicine reduces inflammation in acute gout attacks and may be used for familial Mediterranean fever in specialist care. It is not a painkiller in the Paracetamol sense — it targets crystal-triggered inflammation.
- How long does Colchicine take to work?
- Onset varies by condition and dose. Your GP or pharmacist can explain what to expect and when to review. Always follow your prescriber’s follow-up plan.
- Can you take Colchicine with paracetamol or ibuprofen?
- Ask your GP or pharmacist before taking Colchicine with Paracetamol or Ibuprofen. Many adults use paracetamol for short periods when appropriate; NSAIDs such as ibuprofen need extra checks with your other medicines and health conditions.
- What are the side effects of Colchicine?
- Diarrhoea, nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain are dose-related warning signs. See the sections below for more detail, including serious side effects and when to seek urgent help.
- Can I take colchicine with allopurinol?
- Sometimes both are used with timing plans around flares — follow your rheumatologist or GP instructions rather than combining on your own.
- Why did my GP stop colchicine when I started antibiotics?
- Macrolide antibiotics can raise colchicine to toxic levels — your prescriber may pause it temporarily.
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Often used with
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