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Usage: The exact way that Colchicine works is unknown. It appears to alter your body's response to deposited uric acid crystals. This leads to less swelling and less pain. Colchicine is used to treat attacks of gout. Colchicine will not prevent the progression of this disease. It is useful only in decreasing the incidence of attacks and in relieving pain and discomfort.
Directions: Take Colchicine exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you. Take each dose with a full glass (8 ounces) of water. To treat an attack, Colchicine may be taken up to once every hour until the pain is relieved, until the maximum amount of medicine has been taken, or until nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea occurs. To prevent an attack from occurring, Colchicine may be taken every day or several days a week. Follow your doctor's instructions. Never take more medicine than is prescribed to treat an acute gout attack.
Side Effects: If you experience any of the following serious side effects, stop taking Colchicine and seek emergency medical attention: an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of your throat; swelling of your lips, tongue, or face; or hives); a rash; a sore throat; a fever; unusual bleeding or bruising; tiredness or weakness; or numbness or tingling. In general, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea are the first signs of too much Colchicine. Stop taking Colchicine when you experience these side effects. If these side effects are severe or if they do not resolve, contact your doctor.
Precautions: Follow your doctor's recommendations about diet.
Drug Interactions: Tell your doctor and pharmacist about all medicines that you are taking so that your therapy can be monitored for interactions.
If You Take Too Much: Seek emergency medical attention. Symptoms of a Colchicine overdose include nausea; vomiting; stomach pain; diarrhea; muscle weakness; burning in your throat, stomach, or skin; difficulty breathing; delirium; and seizures. An overdose of Colchicine can result in death.
Missed Dose: Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the dose you missed and take only your next regularly scheduled dose. Do not take a double dose of this medication.
Storage: Store Colchicine at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
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