Introduction Use in dermatology Contraindications Precautions Side effects
Colchicine is an ancient drug is made from the Autumn Crocus, Colchicum autumnale (a poisonous European flowering plant). It has been primarily used in the treatment of gout. Although it is not formally indicated or approved for the treatment of dermatological diseases, colchicine has been prescribed for some skin conditions with good results. Its effectiveness is due to several immunological and anti-inflammatory properties.
In New Zealand colchicine is available as 0.5 mg (or 500 micrograms) tablets (previously 0.6 mg).
Because of its potential toxicity, colchicine is used as a second line agent when safer drugs have been unsuccessful.
Colchicine is used for some dermatological diseases. Its effectiveness has only been shown through the treatment of small and mostly uncontrolled study groups.
Disease |
Dosage |
Effectiveness |
|---|---|---|
1-2mg/day |
|
|
1-1.5mg/day |
|
|
0.5-3mg/day |
|
|
0.5-1.5mg/day |
|
|
1.5-1.8mg/day |
|
Other dermatological conditions that may be treated with colchicine include linear IgA dermatosis, acquired epidermolysis bullosa, vasculitis, morphoea and dermatomyositis.
More controlled and double-blind studies are needed to prove the usefulness of colchicine in dermatological diseases.
Colchicine should not be used under the following circumstances:
Colchicine can be fatal in overdose. Treatment with colchicine should be stopped immediately when abdominal pain, diarrhoea, nausea or vomiting occur. These are the first signs of toxicity and usually occur between 0–24 hours after taking the medicine.
If you are taking any other medicines, particularly antibiotics and painkillers, do not take colchicine before you have checked with your doctor or pharmacist that it is safe to do so.
The most common side effects are abdominal pain, diarrhoea, nausea or vomiting, which occur in up to 80% of patients receiving a maximal dose. Gastrointestinal symptoms are worse at higher dosages. These symptoms indicate toxicity and the medicine should be stopped.
Toxicity results in:
Colchicine, when used in low doses, has a low rate of side effects. Beneficial effects without the side effects are possible by reducing the dosage. However, there is no antidote if an excessive dose is taken. Seek medical help immediately.
Approved datasheets are the official source of information for medicines, including approved uses, doses, and safety information. Check the individual datasheet in your country for information about medicines.
We suggest you refer to your national drug approval agency such as the Australian Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA), US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), UK Medicines and Healthcare products regulatory agency (MHRA) / emc, and NZ Medsafe, or a national or state-approved formulary eg, the New Zealand Formulary (NZF) and New Zealand Formulary for Children (NZFC) and the British National Formulary (BNF) and British National Formulary for Children (BNFC).
