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Publication Type: Medication Safety Notice
Single or Multiple Incident: Multiple
Date: 6/1/2014 12:00:00 AM
Country: Australia
This safety notice discusses the toxicity potential of colchicine highlighting one fatal incident but noting other case reports. The potential lethality of colchicine is not well understood within the medical community and there are ambiguities in the published dosing guidelines. Colchicine toxicity is associated with a high mortality rate. The notice provides information on how accumulation of the drug may occur, indications, and dosing information with dosing adjustments for elderly and those with renal and hepatic impairment. Recommended actions to prevent colchicine toxicity are provided.

Additional Details

Medication/Gas/Fluid:
colchicine, clarithromycin, prednisolone, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents (NSAIDs)

Training
  1. Consider the alternative agents for first-line treatment and prophylaxis of gout.
  2. Be aware of the risks associated with the use of colchicine
  3. Be aware of patient risk factors for colchicine toxicity.
  4. Be aware of the inconsistent dosing information for the use of colchicine in the management of acute gout.
  5. Note the conservative dosing schedule in the AMH is recommended. (http://www.amh.net.au/)

Colchicine toxicity can be fatal