Colchicine alkaloid is an anti-gout treatment useful in preventing gout flare-ups as well as aborting gout attacks. It is also used to treat familial Mediterranean fever (FMF), and less commonly a few other conditions.

Patients are not advised to buy colchicine alkaloid to treat other types of pain; the medication is not actually a painkiller. The pain relief provided in gout or FMF is entirely from the drug's anti-inflammatory properties, which is not fully understood.

Dosage & Administration

The medication comes in 0.6 mg tablets; it is not possible to buy colchicine alkaloid tablets in higher doses. There are a few general rules that apply to tablets regardless of the reason they're being taken:

• Never take more than 1.2 mg in a one hour period.
• Never take more than 8 mg in one day (24 hours).
• If 8 mg is taken in one day, wait at least 3 days (72 hours) before taking additional doses.
• Tablets may be taken with or without food.

To treat FMF:

• Patients are usually started on smaller doses of 0.6 mg per day, gradually increasing to 1.2 or 2.4 mg per day.
• Doses may be taken all at once or split into two smaller doses.

As a preventive treatment for gout:

• Depending on the frequency and severity of gout attacks, 0.6 to 1.2 mg per day.
• If taking 1.2 mg, it should be divided into two 0.6 mg doses.
• In relatively mild cases 0.6 mg may be taken three or four times a week instead of every day.

When taken as a preventive measure, it should reduce the frequency of gout flare-ups or even eliminate them altogether. As the medication is not a cure for gout, it is typically taken long-term, for months or years.

As an abortive treatment during a gout attack:

• Take 1.2 mg at the earliest symptoms.
• Additional 0.6 mg doses may be taken at one hour intervals if needed, up to 8 mg or until gastrointestinal side effects are noticed.
• Do not take additional doses if gastrointestinal upset does occur, including nausea, vomiting, stomach cramps and/or diarrhea.
• Future doses should slightly less than doses which produced side effects; for instance, if taking 5 tablets produced vomiting, do not take more than 4 tablets during the next flare-up.

Effects should be noticeable within the first few hours; pain and inflammation should be dramatically reduced within 12 hours, and the flare-up should subside around 24 hours after administration.

Some patients buy colchicine alkaloid to use both as a preventive measure and to treat the occasional flare-up, regularly taking smaller daily doses and taking larger doses during an attack. This is generally done only when alternative abortive treatments are ineffective, and a doctor should be consulted for the ideal abortive dose. As with other treatment approaches, avoid further doses if gastrointestinal upset occurs.

Before Starting Treatment

Some individuals are poor candidates for treatment and should not buy colchicine alkaloid without first speaking with a doctor about risks, particularly those who:

• Are pregnant or breast feeding
• Are under 16 or over 65 years of age
• Have a history of major gastrointestinal issues
• Have serious kidney or liver issues
• Have low white blood cell counts

Gastrointestinal symptoms (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain) are the most common side effects and indicate the body cannot tolerate more of the medication. Stop treatment immediately if these symptoms occur and avoid further use for at least 72 hours.

A Pharmacy at your Fingertips

Clients do not need a prescription to buy colchicine alkaloid in generic form; a prescription will need to be faxed into us to purchase brand-name versions. Kiwi Drug guarantees both products are authentic and high quality. Please don't hesitate to contact us with any questions!