Colchicine and notes when used in the treatment of gout

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Colchicine is one of the first choice drugs in the treatment of gout thanks to its strong anti-inflammatory properties, providing outstanding and fast effects. To get the most effective treatment and prevent side effects of drugs, patients need to pay attention to toxicity as well as adverse reactions of drugs.

1. Learn about Colchicine

Colchicine is a plant-based drug, used to treat gout and some inflammatory diseases in the human body. Colchicine has the ability to inhibit the migration and chemotaxis, as well as the adhesion and phagocytosis of neutrophils at the inflammatory site to reduce the inflammatory response to urate crystals and bring about the therapeutic effect. However, if not used correctly, colchicine is a high-risk drug because it can cause serious toxicity.
1.1 Indications
Indications for the use of Colchicine in the following cases:
Anti-inflammatory pain relief in acute gout attacks or acute attacks of chronic gout Prophylaxis of gout recurrence

1.2 Dosage of Colchicine Colchicine is used as soon as possible from the onset of gout attacks, patients can use a dose of 1mg / day. May be combined with an NSAID (in the absence of contraindications to this drug) to increase the effectiveness of gout attacks. In case there are contraindications to NSAIDs, use as follows:
First day: 1mg x 3 times, can give 0.5mg every 2 hours (maximum no more than 4mg) Day 2: Dose 1mg x 2 times 3rd day onwards: Dose 1mg/time, last for at least 6 months, pay attention to reduce dose in patients with chronic kidney disease, elderly...

2. Side effects when using Colchicine

In addition to its ability to treat, Colchicine also has serious toxicity and can be fatal for patients if used incorrectly, Colchicine poisoning can be comparable to arsenic poisoning, so if used too much dose (0.5mg/kg) can be fatal.
Possible side effects of Colchicine drugs are damage to bone marrow: Gout patients treated with high doses of Colchicine may have anemia, hair loss because of damaged bone marrow.
Some other dangerous side effects that may be encountered in patients are dyspepsia, mild fever, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, gastrointestinal bleeding, peripheral neuritis, rash, liver and kidney damage.
For children, Colchicine is an extremely toxic drug, just accidentally taking 1 or 2 tablets can cause serious poisoning,

3. Notes when using Colchicine

Because Colchicine has the potential to cause extremely serious side effects, patients should note when using Colchicine:
Colchicine should only be used to treat pain caused by acute gout or acute attacks of gout. chronic gout when really needed. The average total dose of oral colchicine in a course of treatment is 4-6 mg, patients should not repeat this course within 3 days to prevent the risk of toxicity due to accumulation of colchicine. It is recommended to use a dose of 1mg / day, it is necessary to use the drug for treatment as soon as possible. Can be combined with a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug to help increase the effectiveness of gout attacks. Colchicine should be stored at room temperature, protected from light and moisture. Patients need to read the instructions carefully before use, keep out of reach of children Absolutely do not throw the medicine into the toilet or water pipe.

4. Guidelines for handling colchicine poisoning

Up to now, there is no specific antidote for Colchicine overdose, so as soon as there are signs of Colchicine poisoning, it is necessary to quickly go to the hospital for timely treatment. Patients with Colchicine poisoning, if detected late or symptoms of poisoning appear late, often have liver failure, kidney failure or have a poor prognosis. Colchicine poisoning treatment is mainly supportive.
To prevent side effects and risks that Colchicine may cause:
Use the drug only when absolutely necessary Use the drug in the correct dose and prescribed by the doctor Store Colchicine properly

Vinmec International General Hospital is one of the hospitals that not only ensures professional quality with a team of leading medical professionals, modern equipment and technology, but also stands out for its examination and consultation services. comprehensive and professional medical consultation and treatment; civilized, polite, safe and sterile medical examination and treatment space. Customers who choose to perform services here can be completely assured of the results. In addition, customers will be examined with a specialist to determine the risk of disease and have a scientific treatment direction.
Customers can directly go to Vinmec Health system nationwide to visit or contact the hotline here for support.
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