ABSTRACT
This chapter presents classification & mode of action, indications & dermatological uses, formulations/presentation, dosages & suggested regimens, baseline investigations, considerations & monitoring, contraindications, cautions, important drug interactions, adverse effects & their management, use in special situations, and essential patient information of Colchicine. Colchicine is a pseudoalkaloid obtained from the meadow saffron and other Colchicum spp. On ingestion, colchicine is rapidly absorbed and is mainly metabolized in the liver, although 10–20% is excreted unchanged in the urine. Colchicine is licensed only for use in gout and familial Mediterranean fever. Colchicine has a narrow therapeutic window and is extremely toxic in overdose. Colchicine is teratogenic in animals and there is some evidence of teratogenicity or of fetal chromosomal abnormalities in humans, so it should be avoided in pregnancy. Colchicine has anti-inflammatory actions, mainly through inhibition of polymorphonuclear mobility, adhesion and chemotaxis. It also possesses antimitotic activity since it prevents aggregation of the microtubular cytoskeleton, thus inhibiting mitosis and causing metaphase arrest.
