Colgout 0.5mg (Colchicine)

Colgout general information

What is Colgout used for?

Colgout tablets 0.5mg are used to treat symptoms of acute attacks or flares of gout, a condition caused by a build up of uric acid in the blood (hyperuricaemia) forming uric acid crystals, which are deposited in the joints. Colgout tablets 0.5mg help to relieve pain, although they are not analgesics, and also reduce the incidence of recurrent acute gout attacks. However, Colgout tablets 0.5mg do not prevent the progression of acute gout to chronic gouty arthritis, which is when which uric acid crystals that have been deposited in joints cause pain and swelling, with loss of joint mobility. The first line of treatment for gout is generally with an anti-inflammatory medication, either a steroid or a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAID). If these treatments are ineffective or cannot be used, then Colgout tablets 0.5mg provide an effective treatment for gout, to reduce inflammation, pain and swelling.

How does Colgout work?

Colgout tablets 0.5mg contain colchicine, an alkaloid phenanthrene derivative originally obtained from the plant Colchicum or Autumn Crocus. Colchicine in Colgout tablets 0.5mg act on inflammatory leucocytes and inhibit the migration of these cells into an inflammatory site, such as inflammation caused by uric acid crystals. Colchicine in Colgout tablets 0.5mg also inhibits the ingestion (phagocytosis) of uric acid crystals by inflammatory cells, which is the way that foreign objects are normally disposed of. This action of colchicine in Colgout tablets 0.5mg reduces the amount of inflammatory chemicals released by these cells and helps break the inflammation cycle.

What does Colgout contain?

Colgout tablets 0.5mg contain the active ingredient colchicine, an alkaloid phenanthrene derivative used to treat acute attacks of gout. They also contain magnesium stearate, lactose, maize starch and povidone.

Treating gout with Colgout

Colgout tablets 0.5mg contain colchicine, an alkaloid phenanthrene derivative that is used to treat attacks of acute gout and to reduce the incidence of recurrent acute gout attacks. Gout is a condition caused by a build up of uric acid in the blood (hyperuricaemia) forming uric acid crystals to be deposited in the joints causing inflammation, pain and swelling. Colchicine in Colgout tablets 0.5mg inhibit the migration of inflammatory leucocytes into an inflammatory site, such as inflammation caused by uric acid crystals and also inhibits ingestion (phagocytosis) of uric acid crystals by these cells, which reduces the amount of inflammatory chemicals released by these cells and helps break the inflammation cycle. Colgout tablets 0.5mg help reduce the pain and discomfort of gout but do not act as a long-term analgesic nor do they prevent the progression of acute gout to chronic gouty arthritis, which is when which uric acid crystals that have been deposited in joints cause chronic pain and swelling, with loss of joint mobility.

What are the side effects of Colgout?

The most commonly reported side effects when taking Colgout tablets 0.5mg include: nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhoea. Prolonged treatment can cause hair loss, loss of appetite and muscle weakness (myopathy).

When should Colgout not be used?

You should not use Colgout tablets 0.5mg if you:

• are allergic to colchicine or any ingredients in Colgout tablets
• are pregnant or are breastfeeding
• have kidney or liver disease
• have a heart condition or blood dyscrasias (disorders) or gastrointestinal disorders
• are taking medicines that interact with Colgout, including : the immunosuppressant cyclosporine, the antibiotics clarithromycin or erythromycin, the antifungal Ketoconazole, ritonavir,for HIV, verapamil and diltiazem for hypertension, digoxin, for heart failure, statins and fibrates for high cholesterol, acidifying agents such as ammonium chloride, alkalinising agents such as sodium bicarbonate, sedatives like benzodiazepines, alcohol, NSAIDs like phenylbutazone, anticoagulants such as warfarin and heparin, Vitamin B12

What medications interact with Colgout?

Several medications interact with Colgout tablets 0.5mg and should either not be taken while you are taking Colgout or only after discussion and instruction from your doctor:

• Drugs that cause a serious reaction with Colgout: the immunosuppressant cyclosporine, the antibiotics clarithromycin or erythromycin, the antifungal Ketoconazole, ritonavir,for HIV, verapamil and diltiazem for hypertension, digoxin, for heart failure, statins and fibrates for high cholesterol, acidifying agents such as ammonium chloride, alkalinising agents such as sodium bicarbonate, alcohol, NSAIDs like phenylbutazone, anticoagulants such as warfarin and heparin
• Drugs that affect Colgout: the immunosuppressant cyclosporine, the antibiotics clarithromycin or erythromycin, the antifungal Ketoconazole, ritonavir,for HIV, verapamil and diltiazem for hypertension, digoxin, for heart failure, statins and fibrates for high cholesterol, acidifying agents such as ammonium chloride, alkalinising agents such as sodium bicarbonate
• Drugs that are affected by Colgout: sedatives like benzodiazepines, Vitamin B12

How should Colgout be taken?

You should take your Colgout tablets 0.5mg swallowed whole with a glass of water, with or without food. The first dose is usually two tablets followed by one tablet every six hours and no more than a maximum of five tablets in 24 hours. The dose you take and for how long depends on your condition, how you respond and any side effects, and should be as recommended by your doctor. You should take your Colgout tablets 0.5mg until pain is relieved and for no more than four days to relieve pain of gout attack. You should not take any further tablets within three days and then begin another course of Colgout tablets 0.5mg, if recommended by your doctor.

How long should you take Colgout?

You should take your Colgout tablets 0.5mg until pain is relieved and for no more than four days to relieve pain of gout attack. You should not take any further tablets within three days and then begin another course of Colgout tablets 0.5mg, if recommended by your doctor.

Missed dose of Colgout

If you miss a dose of Colgout tablets 0.5mg take it as soon as you remember, unless it is time to take the next dose, then skip the missed dose. Do not take a double dose.

How should Colgout be stored?

You should store your Colgout below 30°C in a cool dry place and protect from light.