Clinical information
Common uses
- treating gout attacks
- preventing gout when starting allopurinol
- familial Mediterranean fever
Common side effects
- feeling or being sick
- stomach pain
- diarrhoea
Cautions
- taking even slightly too much can be fatal
- stop and get medical help if side effects appear
- avoid grapefruit — it raises colchicine levels
- not suitable with severe kidney, liver or blood problems
Interactions
- clarithromycin or erythromycin (antibiotics)
- ritonavir or atazanavir (HIV medicines)
- ciclosporin
- antifungals (ketoconazole, itraconazole, voriconazole)
- verapamil or diltiazem (heart medicines)
- disulfiram
Pregnancy: generally thought OK, but ask your doctor first
Reference information, not medical advice — always follow your doctor or pharmacist. Source: NHS Medicines A–Z, nhs.uk/medicines/colchicine (accessed 2026-08-16)