Gout and Colcichine: Seven Things You Should Know

Gout is a painful condition caused by a build up of uric acid in the bloodstream. While it can be prevented by lifestyle and dietary changes, there are times when an acute attack will happen. If you find yourself suffering from gouty arthritis, Colchicine can be your best friend and pathway to fast relief from stiffness, joint pain and tenderness.

#1 - Colchicine Has Been Used Since 1810

Colchicine is derived from the dried seeds found in the Colchicum autumnale, also known as meadow salfron or autumn crocus. An alkaloid, colchicum has been used as a standard treatment for acute attacks of gout as far back as the early 19^th century.

#2 - Colchicum was approved by the FDA in 1939

It comes in two oral dosages - .5 mg and .6 mg tablets respectively. It is available in intravenous form but is not used as much as the tablets due to its potential to cause serious toxic levels when used instead of taking the digestive/oral method.

#3 - It mostly works only with Gout

Colchicine, while it has anti-inflammatory uses, is highly effective with gout but not many other types of pain and inflammation. Because of this, it is not used as a painkiller with other types of pain, and it also doesn't have an effect of clearing uric acid.

#4 - Colchicine can be used for acute gout symptoms.

If you are in the middle of an acute attack, the dosage can be either 1.0 or 1.2 mg to start followed by one tablet of the .5 or .6 mg every hour up to 2 of each every hour until relief is attained or until the onset of diarrhea. Following the first dose, start with the lower dosage and move up because at times it can be sufficient to stop the attack. At the point when gastrointestinal upset or diarrhea occurs, the drug should be stopped.

#5 - Colchicine can also be a good drug for chronic gout.

For people who have an attack of gout only once a year or less, maintaining a pain free existence is as easy as taking one .5 or .6 mg each day over a three or four day week schedule. If you have more than one attack in a one year period, the dosage would be taken on a daily basis. More severe cases would require hire dosages on a daily basis.

#6 - Colchicine is not a drug to be used lightly or frivolously.

There are a number of adverse reactions which can occur with use including depression of bone marrow with agraulocytosis, aplastic anemia or thrombocytopenia if taken over the long term. Other reactions can include, purpura, reversible azoospermia, myopathy, hair loss, and more.

#7 - Colchicine is not good for all patients.

Pregnant women should proceed with caution because there have been no studies conducted that have been well-controlled when it comes to the potential risk to the fetus. As well, nursing mothers should also take care. Patients who are hypersensitive to the drug, people with gastrointestinal , renal or cardiac problems. People who also have blood disorders should avoid colchicine.

Colchicine is considered a wonder drug by gout sufferers, but it must be taken with the care and respect afforded all drugs. Gout is a serious problem, and in conjunction with other natural remedies and medications, it can be managed and controlled.

SOURCE: http://gout.factshere.com, http://arthritis.about.com/od/colchicine/a/gout_medication.htm.