Adverse effects encountered with colchicine: A three centre study

Dr V Marwaha; Dr A Singhal; Dr GD Choudhary; DR V Hande

Volume : VI, Issue : IX, September - 2016

Adverse effects encountered with colchicine: A three centre study

Dr V Marwaha, Dr A Singhal, Dr Gd Choudhary, Dr V Hande

Abstract :

Objective: Colchicine is a useful drug to treat acute attacks of gout or to prevent attacks of gout. Side effects with this drug include diarrhea, nausea, cramping abdominal pain and vomiting. Other adverse effects include bone marrow depression, peripheral neuritis, purpura, or myopathy. Methods: This was an observational and prospective study conducted in three centers at Northern, Western and Eastern parts of India from January 2014 to August 2014. Patients with history of intolerance to colchicine were excluded from study. Patients were given a dose of 0.5 mg colchicine tablet twice daily. The adverse effects of the drugs were recorded and patients were advised to stop the drug on occurrence of any adverse event. The duration of treatment ranged from 5 days to 3 months. Results: A total of 186 patients (Men=166 and women=20) were enrolled. Average age at the time of diagnosis was 48 years. Seven patients (3.76%) discontinued the drug. Out of them 5 had developed diarrhea, 01 had developed colicky abdominal pain with diarrhea, and 01 had nausea with diarrhea. All patients developed gastrointestinal symptoms within 72 h of taking the drug. Conclusion: Low–dose colchicine (0.5 mg twice daily) causes less adverse effects and is usually well–tolerated. However, patients have to be cautioned about the gastrointestinal side effects for optimum compliance.