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Colchicine 500mcg Tablets
In Stock
Thursday, 02 Jul 2026
Medication features
Treatment for Gout
Colchicine is a medication used to treat acute gout attacks, which are a type of inflammatory arthritis. It is highly effective, providing fast and efficient symptom relief. Colchicine is suitable for short-term use during gout flare-ups.
- Reduces inflammation caused by uric acid crystals in your joints
- Patient Leaflet
Overview
NOTE: After selecting this product, you will need to complete a short assessment, so we can make sure this medication is suitable for you.
Specifications of Colchicine
Colchicine tablets are a specialised medication primarily used in the UK to treat acute gout attacks. Unlike standard painkillers, Colchicine works by reducing the inflammation caused by uric acid crystals in the joints, helping to alleviate the sudden, severe pain and swelling associated with gout flare-ups.
If you are currently experiencing a flare-up or have a history of recurring attacks, our service allows you to access Colchicine for gout following a clinical assessment by our registered prescribers.
What Is Colchicine?
Colchicine is a prescription medication designed specifically to treat sudden and painful gout attacks. Unlike standard painkillers that simply mask discomfort, this treatment targets the root cause of the flare-up by dampening the body’s inflammatory reaction to uric acid crystals.
While there are various gout medications, Colchicine is distinct because it is often prescribed when patients cannot take NSAIDs (like ibuprofen) due to stomach issues or other contraindications.
What Is Colchicine Used For?
Colchicine 500mcg tablets are licensed for specific medical uses involving inflammation caused by crystal deposition or genetic conditions.
The primary uses include:
- Acute Gout Treatment: To relieve the pain and swelling of acute gout attacks in adults. It is most effective when taken within the first 24 hours of symptoms appearing in the big toe, knee, or ankle.
- Gout Prophylaxis: To prevent gout attacks when a patient is first starting urate-lowering therapies (such as Allopurinol or Febuxostat). Mobilizing uric acid stores can trigger flares, and Colchicine helps suppress this.
Familial Mediterranean Fever (FMF): To prevent fever and pain attacks affecting the abdomen, chest, or joints in adults and children caused by this inherited inflammatory disorder.
Note: While some research investigates Colchicine for cardiovascular conditions (pericarditis), it should only be used for these purposes under strict specialist supervision.
Ingredients of ColchicineColchicine tablets contain the active medication alongside inactive ingredients that help form the tablet.
- Active Ingredient: Colchicine (500 micrograms per tablet).
- Inactive Ingredients: These may vary slightly by manufacturer but typically include Lactose Monohydrate, Maize Starch, Stearic Acid, and Purified Talc.
Allergy Advice: As this product contains lactose, please inform your prescriber if you have an intolerance to some sugars.
Specifications of Colchicine- Active Ingredient: Colchicine 500mcg
- Legal Category: Prescription Only Medicine (POM)
- Common Side Effects: Diarrhoea, nausea, abdominal cramping.
- Price: From £14.99
How Do Colchicine Tablets Work?Gout attacks occur when excess uric acid forms needle-like crystals in the synovial fluid of your joints. Your body's immune system identifies these crystals as a threat and sends white blood cells (neutrophils) to attack them, which causes the severe swelling and pain you feel.
Colchicine tablets for gout work by inhibiting these white blood cells. The medication stops them from migrating to the affected joint and reacting to the crystals. By interrupting this immune response, the inflammation subsides, and the pain resolves. It is important to note that Colchicine does not lower uric acid levels itself; it simply stops the painful reaction to the crystals.
How Quickly Does Colchicine Work?
Colchicine is designed to work rapidly, but it’s not instant. When taking colchicine for gout, most patients notice a significant improvement in pain and swelling within 12 to 24 hours of the first dose.
The medication does not dissolve uric acid crystals in 30 minutes; rather, it reaches peak levels in your blood effectively within that timeframe to start blocking the inflammatory response. Total relief from the attack typically occurs within 24 to 48 hours, provided the treatment was started early enough.
How to Take a Colchicine Tablet
Always take this medication exactly as your doctor or pharmacist has advised. The dosage depends on whether you are treating an acute attack or preventing one.
- Read the Leaflet: Always check the Patient Information Leaflet included in the box.
- Method: Swallow the tablet whole with a glass of water. It can be taken with or without food.
- Acute Dosage: A common regimen for an acute flare is 1mg (2 tablets) initially, followed by 500mcg (1 tablet) after one hour. No further tablets should be taken for 12 hours.
- Timing: For the best results, start the course as soon as you feel the first twinge of pain.
- Stop Indication: If you are taking a high-dose course for an attack, stop taking the medicine immediately if severe gastrointestinal side effects (like diarrhoea) occur, even if the joint pain remains.
What to Do If You Forget to Take Colchicine Tablets?If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is nearly time for your next scheduled dose, skip the missed one.
Important: Never take a double dose to make up for a forgotten tablet. Colchicine has a narrow safety margin, and doubling up can lead to toxicity.
What to Do If You Take Too Much Colchicine?
Colchicine can be toxic if taken in excess. There is a strict limit on how much you can take safely.
Suppose you or someone else has taken more than the prescribed dose. In that case, you must contact a doctor or go to the nearest hospital Accident & Emergency (A&E) department immediately, even if you feel fine. Symptoms of overdose (such as nausea, vomiting, bloody diarrhoea, and low blood pressure) may be delayed by several hours but are extremely serious. Take the medicine pack with you, so the doctors know what has been ingested.
Alternatives to Colchicine
If Colchicine is not suitable for you, or if you cannot tolerate the side effects, there are other treatments available.For Acute Attacks (Pain Relief):
- NSAIDs: Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs such as Naproxen, Diclofenac, or Etoricoxib are often the first line of defence for those without stomach or heart issues.
- Corticosteroids: Prednisolone tablets can reduce inflammation effectively.
For Long-Term Prevention:- Allopurinol: This is the standard treatment to lower uric acid levels and prevent crystals from forming.
- Febuxostat: An alternative to Allopurinol for long-term management.
Where Can I Buy Colchicine Tablets Online in the UK?
You can buy Colchicine online safely through Ashcroft Pharmacy. We require you to complete a free, quick online consultation. This allows our UK-registered prescribers to assess whether Colchicine tablets are safe for you to take before we dispatch your treatment.
Resources
- Electronic Medicines Compendium (EMC) - Patient Information Leaflet (PIL)
- Electronic Medicines Compendium (EMC) - Summary of Product Characteristics (SmPC)
The notable specifications of Colchicine tablets are:
Active ingredient: 500 mcg of Colchicine Max. dosage of Colchicine 6 mg total over 3-6 days Common side effects: Nausea, vomiting, and stomach pain Price Check Colchicine Prices at Ashcroft
Directions
Storage of Colchicine Tablets
You must store your Colchicine tablets at room temperature or in an airtight container, away from light, moisture, and heat. Furthermore:
- DO NOT store Colchicine tablets above 25°C
- Keep Colchicine away from children's reach
Disposal of Colchicine Tablets
You must dispose of your expired Colchicine tablets. Once you notice the signs of discolouration or deterioration in your Colchicine tablets, discard them immediately.
Also, do not dispose of your medicine in household waste or wastewater.
Dosage
Colchicine Dosage
Colchicine 500mcg Dosage
Colchicine Dosing: Maximum of 6mg (12 tablets) over 3 to 6 days
The dose strength of Colchicine is different for different patients. So, take Colchicine according to your doctor’s advice.
For Treatment of Gout Attacks
To start, it’s recommended that you take two Colchicine tablets. After one hour, take one more tablet; however:
- You must not take any tablets for the next 12 hours.
- If you have to take it regularly, take one Colchicine tablet 3 times a day until symptoms are relieved.
- Once you reach the limit of 12 tablets and symptoms are relieved, cease the treatment.
- Do not take more than 12 tablets and start another course for the next three days.
Note: It is not recommended for children.
For Prevention of Gout Flare-Ups
Prevention of gout flare-ups starts with other drugs, such as allopurinol to lower the uric acid level in your body. For this, the recommended dose is one Colchicine tablet twice a day. Consult your doctor to figure out how long you should take this medicine.
For Familial Mediterranean Fever (FMF)
For FMF, the dose strength varies from 1-4 Colchicine tablets (500mcg to 2 mg) in adults and children. You must take it once a day.
For other Conditions
In case of liver or kidney problems, your pharmacist will reduce your Colchicine dose. If you have severe kidney or liver problems, avoid taking Colchicine tablets.
Please note, Ashcroft Pharmacy can only supply Colchicine to treat acute attacks.
Warnings
Precautionary Measures for Colchicine Tablets
The precautionary measures before or while taking Colchicine tablets are:
Before taking Colchicine tablets, tell your doctor about any heart, liver, digestive tract, or kidney problems.
If you have a blood disorder, consult your doctor.
Alcohol affects the effectiveness of Colchicine tablets. So, if you consume alcohol regularly, it is recommended that you limit your use.
Never exceed the prescribed dose of Colchicine tablets - an overdose can be fatal.
If you experience any side effects like stomach pain, diarrhoea, nausea, or vomiting, stop taking your treatment and contact your doctor immediately.
Colchicine tablets can cause serious bone marrow diseases, so regularly get blood tests to monitor any changes in the level of white blood cells, platelets, or red blood cells.
Colchicine medicine contains lactose. If you have an intolerance to some sugars, contact your doctor before taking Colchicine tablets.
Interaction of Colchicine with Other Medications
Colchicine tablets can interact with other medications, resulting in low effectiveness and side effects. So, if you are taking any medicines, tell your doctor about them. You must not take Colchicine tablets if you are taking:
Antibiotics: Erythromycin, Telithromycin, and Calithromycin.
Antifungal drugs: Itraconazole, Voriconazol, Ketoconazol, etc.
Antiviral drugs: Atazanavir, Indinavir (used for HIV infection), Ritonavir.
Certain heart medications - Diltiazem and Verapamil.
Ciclosporin: Used to prevent rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, and organ rejection after a transplant.
Disulfiram: Used to treat alcoholism
Tolbutamide: Controls blood sugar levels, and if taken with Colchicine will increase Colchicine levels in your blood.
Cimetidine: Reduces stomach pain, and if taken with Colchicine will increase the Colchicine level in your blood.
Digoxin: Treats certain heart diseases, and if taken with Colchicine, can cause muscle disease called rhabdomyolysis.
Fibrates: Lowers cholesterol levels and if taken with Colchicine increases the risk of rhabdomyolysis.
Certain herbal supplements and remedies
If you are taking any of these medicines, consult your doctor before taking Colchicine tablets.
Foods to Avoid When Taking Colchicine
Grapefruit or grapefruit juice increases the level of Colchicine in your blood, resulting in severe toxicity and side effects. Do not eat grapefruit or drink grapefruit juice while taking this medicine. Similarly, alcohol can cause gout attacks - it is recommended to consume less or no alcohol while using this medication.
Colchicine Tablets & Pregnancy
If you are pregnant or planning to be, do not take Colchicine tablets.
Colchicine Tablets And Breastfeeding
If you are breastfeeding, avoid taking Colchicine tablets. Your doctor may recommend other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.
Colchicine Tablets and Fertility
If you take Colchicine tablets for a long time, it can reduce your sperm count.
Colchicine medicine contains lactose. If you have an intolerance to some sugars, contact your doctor before taking Colchicine tablets.
Interaction of Colchicine with Other Medications
Colchicine tablets can interact with other medications, resulting in low effectiveness and serious side effects. So, if you are taking any medicines, tell your doctor about these drugs. So, you must not take Colchicine tablets if you are taking:
- Antibiotics — Erythromycin, Telithromycin, and Calithromycin.
- Antifungal drugs — Itraconazole, Voriconazol, Ketoconazol, etc.
- Antiviral drugs —- Atazanavir, Indinavir (used for HIV infection), Ritonavir, etc.
- Certain heart medications —- Diltiazem and Verapamil.
- Ciclosporin (used to prevent rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, and organic rejection after a transplant).
- Disulfiram (used to treat alcoholism)
- Tolbutamide: It controls blood sugar levels and if taken with Colchicine, will increase Colchicine levels in your blood.
- Cimetidine: It reduces stomach pain and if taken with Colchicine, will increase the Colchicine level in your blood.
- Digoxin: It treats certain heart diseases and if taken with Colchicin,e will cause muscle disease called rhabdomyolysis.
- Fibrates: It lowers cholesterol levels and if taken with Colchicine increases the risk of rhabdomyolysis.
- Certain herbal supplements and remedies
So, if you are taking any of these medicines, tell your doctor before taking Colchicine tablets as they will damage your blood, kidneys, or liver.
Foods to Avoid When Taking Colchicine
Grapefruit or grapefruit juice increases the level of Colchicine in your blood, resulting in severe toxicity and side effects. So you must not eat grapefruit or drink grapefruit juice while taking this medicine. Similarly, alcohol causes gout attacks. So while taking Colchicine tablets, it is recommended to consume less or no alcohol.
Colchicine Tablets And Pregnancy
If you are pregnant or planning to be, do not take Colchicine tablets.
Colchicine Tablets And Breastfeeding
If you are breastfeeding, avoid taking Colchicine tablets as it can pass via breast milk and affect your newborn. Your doctor may recommend other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.
Moreover, if you have the potential to conceive a child, do not use Colchicine tablets unless you are taking effective contraception.
Colchicine Tablets and Fertility
If you take Colchicine tablets for a long time, it will reduce sperm count in men. So, you must stop taking Colchicine tablets once your pain is relieved.
FAQ
What Is Colchicine 500 mcg Used for?
Colchicine 500mcg tablets treat and prevent gout attacks by reducing pain and inflammation in joints. It is also prescribed for the management of FMF (familial Mediterranean fever).
Why Can You Only Take 6mg of Colchicine per Course?
6mg of colchicine in the maximum dose per course to avoid serious side effects due to Colchicine accumulation in the blood. These side effects may include toxicity, gastrointestinal problems, or bone marrow suppression.
Is Colchicine a Pain Reliever?
Colchicine is not a regular pain reliever. It breaks down uric acid crystals, reducing pain, swelling, and inflammation during gout attacks.
Is Colchicine for Daily Use?
If you are taking a small amount of Colchicine for the prevention of gout attacks, you can use it regularly for a long time. However, if you are taking Colchicine for the treatment of gout attacks and FMF, you must use it for a short period and according to the guidelines of your doctor.
Side Effects
Colchicine Side Effects
Like all medicines, Colchicine tablets show side effects. Its common side effects are:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhoea
- Fever
- Sore throat
- Stomach pain
- Skin problems
- Swollen mouth
- Unusual bruising
If you experience these side effects, consult your doctor immediately:
- Nerve damage
- Inflammation of nerves, causing numbness, pain, tingling, or weakness
- Liver damage
- Gastrointestinal bleeding
- Hair loss
- Rash
- Muscle pain
- Kidney damage
- Painful periods
- Effects on the menstrual cycle in females and sperm production in men
See the patient leaflet for a full list of potential side effects.
- Nerve damage
- Inflammation of nerves, causing numbness, pain, tingling, or weakness.
- Liver damage
- Gastrointestinal bleeding
- Hair loss
- Rash
- Muscle pain
- Kidney damage
- Painful periods
- Affecting the menstrual cycle in females and sperm production in men.
Not everyone gets these symptoms. However, if you get them, visit your doctor immediately and stop taking Colchicine tablets. Here is the full list: Colchicine 500 mcg Patient Leaflet
Information
Delivery
Once your order has been approved by our UK medical team it will be dispatched via Royal mail. All orders are sent using a tracked and signed for service.
Royal Mail 48 (2-5 days) | £2.49
Estimated delivery within 2-3 working days. Excludes bank holidays. Not a guaranteed service.
Free standard delivery on orders over £45.
Royal Mail 24 (1-2 days) | £2.95
Estimated delivery within 1 working day. Excludes bank holidays. Not a guaranteed service.
Royal Mail Special Delivery Guaranteed by 1pm | £6.99
Order by the 2:00 PM weekday cut-off time for guaranteed delivery by 1:00 PM the next business day.
Orders placed after the cut-off on Friday will be delivered on Tuesday.
Price Comparison
| Medication | Ashcroft Pharmacy |
|---|---|
| 500mcg x12 Tablets | £14.99
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Written and reviewed by our qualified team
Authored by:
Mr Suhail Jamil
Superintendent Pharmacist
GPhC Number: 2069518
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