Colcrys (Colchicine Tablets) Drug Information: Description, User Reviews, Drug Side Effects, Interactions

Pill Identifier Search

February 9, 2012

Colcrys

Gout »

What is gout? What is hyperuricemia?

Gout is a disease that results from an overload of uric acid in the body. This overload of uric acid leads to the formation of tiny crystals of urate that deposit in tissues of the body, especially the joints. When crystals form in the joints, it causes recurring attacks of joint inflammation (arthritis). Gout is considered a chronic and progressive disease. Chronic gout can also lead to deposits of hard lumps of uric acid in the tissues, particularly in and around the joints and may cause joint destruction, decreased kidney function, and kidney stones (nephrolithiasis).

Gout has the unique distinction of being one of the most frequently recorded medical illnesses throughout history. It is often related to an inherited abnormality in the body's ability to process uric acid. Uric acid is a breakdown product of purines that are part of many foods we eat. An abnormality in handling uric acid can cause attacks of p...

Read the Gout article »

« Previous
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
next »

Colcrys

Take the Gout Quiz

Gout Overview Slideshow Pictures

Rheumatoid Arthritis Slideshow Pictures

font size

COLCRYS™
(colchicine, USP) Tablets for Oral Use

DRUG DESCRIPTION

Colchicine is an alkaloid chemically described as (S)N- (5,6,7,9-tetrahydro- 1,2,3, 10-tetramethoxy-9-oxobenzo [alpha] heptalen-7-yl) acetamide with a molecular formula of C₂₂H₂₅NO₆ and a molecular weight of 399.4. The structural formula of colchicine is given below.

Colcrys (colchicine) structural formula illustration

Colchicine occurs as a pale yellow powder that is soluble in water.

COLCRYS™ (colchicine tablets) (colchicine USP) tablets is supplied for oral administration as purple, film-coated, capsule-shaped tablets (0.1575” × 0.3030”), debossed with ‘AR 374' on one side and scored on the other, containing 0.6 mg of the active ingredient colchicine USP. Inactive ingredients: carnauba wax, FD&C blue #2, FD&C red #40, hypromellose, lactose monohydrate, magnesium stearate, microcrystalline cellulose, polydextrose, polyethylene glycol, pregelatinized starch, sodium starch glycolate, titanium dioxide, and triacetin.

What are the possible side effects of colchicine (Colcrys)?

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Call your doctor at once if you have a serious side effect such as:

muscle pain or weakness;
numbness or tingly feeling in your fingers or toes;
pale or gray appearance of your lips, tongue, or hands;
severe vomiting or diarrhea;
easy bruising or bleeding, feeling weak or tired;
fever, chills, body aches, flu...

Read All Potential Side Effects and See Pictures of Colcrys »

What are the precautions when taking colchicine tablets (Colcrys)?

Before taking this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: kidney problems, liver problems (such as cirrhosis).

Alcohol can decrease this drug's effectiveness. Limit alcohol while taking this drug.

This medication can affect how well your body absorbs some foods and nutrients (such as vitamin B12). Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more details.

Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription...

Read All Potential Precautions of Colcrys »

Last reviewed on RxList: 8/5/2011
This monograph has been modified to include the generic and brand name in many instances.