Colchicine is the preferred treatment for acute gout arthritis. Colchicine is a gout medication used to prevent and ease gout attacks. Colchicine is an alkaloid derived from the dried seeds of Colchicum autumnale, also known as the autumn crocus or meadow saffron. The plant is considered extremely poisonous. The toxicity of the autumn crocus has been known since the times of ancient Greece. During the fifth century, it was used in the treatment of arthritis and rheumatism. The use of the Colchicum alkaloid for the treatment of acute gout dates back to the early 1800s.

Colchicine was approved by the U.S. FDA in 1939. Colchicine is available in two oral strengths - 0.5 mg and 0.6 mg tablets. Colchicine is also available intravenously, but there is potential for serious toxicity when the drug is given intravenously or by injection. In addition to treating gout, the drug has been used to manage other diseases and conditions including:

• amyloidosis
• Behcet's disease
• Paget's disease
• pseudogout / CPPD
• dermatitis herpetiformis
• familial Mediterranean fever
• pericarditis
• biliary and hepatic cirrhosis

Colchicine safety is essential for gouty arthritis patients. Colchicine safety decreases the chance for undesirable side effects. Colchicine must be taken according to directions. Warnings should be respected. If you are taking the drug, here are 10 Things You Should Know About Colchicine.

Related Resources:

• Guide to Gout
• Fast Facts About Gout
• Test Your Knowledge: Gout
• Gout 101: Free Newsletter E-Course
• How to Treat Gout With Diet and Medication

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_{Source: Description and Natural History of the Autumn Crocus; Photo by Raoul Vernede}