MedDroid
Ask MedDroid
Colchicine: uses, side effects & brands
Colchicine relieves and prevents acute gout flares at carefully limited doses. It belongs to the Gout medicine group. These lower uric acid to prevent gout, or calm an acute gout attack.
Drug type — dosing is set by your doctor
| Measure | Range |
|---|---|
| Drug class | Gout medicine |
| Type | Prescription |
| Dose | Individual — ask your doctor or pharmacist |
What it is used for
- Relieving an acute gout flare
- Preventing flares when starting uric-acid-lowering treatment
- Familial Mediterranean fever
- Pericarditis (inflammation around the heart), as prescribed
Common brand names
- India: Zycolchin, Goutnil
- Worldwide: Colcrys, Mitigare
Common side effects
- Diarrhoea
- Nausea or vomiting
- Stomach pain
Before taking it — precautions
- Never take more than prescribed — the gap between a helpful and a harmful amount is small
- Many medicines raise colchicine levels (e.g. clarithromycin, some antifungals, some heart and HIV medicines) — also avoid grapefruit
- Kidney or liver disease — needs special care or may be avoided
When to see a doctor urgently
- Severe diarrhoea or vomiting — stop and seek help (urgent)
- Muscle pain or weakness, or numbness
- Sore throat, fever, unusual bleeding or bruising (urgent)
Not a prescription — no dose shown. The right dose of colchicine depends on age, weight, kidney/liver function and the condition, so MedDroid does not show a dose here. Always get your dose from a doctor or pharmacist and the leaflet inside the pack. General educational information only.
Frequently asked questions
Why is the amount so strictly limited?
Colchicine is toxic in overdose, and higher amounts do not work better for gout.
What if I get diarrhoea?
Stop taking it and tell your doctor — diarrhoea is often the first sign of too much.
Is it dangerous for children?
Yes — even a few tablets can be fatal to a child. Store it safely out of reach.
Explore more
Sources & further reading
- World Health Organization (WHO)
- MedlinePlus — U.S. National Library of Medicine
- Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, India
- Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR)
Reviewed by Dr. Sanjay Anbu, MBBS. MedDroid is an AI medical assistant and can make mistakes. It provides general health information, not a diagnosis or medical advice — always consult a qualified clinician. In an emergency, contact your local emergency number immediately.