What it means
It stops white blood cells from rushing into a joint where uric acid crystals have formed. It works best when started within the first day or so of a goutgowtA form of arthritis in which crystals of uric acid collect in and around a joint.Full entry flare, and in lower daily doses it prevents flares. It is also used for some other inflammatory conditions, such as pericarditis. The gap between a helpful and a toxic dose is small: diarrhea, nausea and vomiting are common and can be early signs of toxicity. Many drugs, and grapefruit, raise its level.
For the nurse
Teach the client to take only the dose prescribed, to stop and call the provider for severe diarrhea or vomiting, muscle weakness or unusual bleeding, and to check with a pharmacist before starting other medicines.
At a glance
| Drug class | antigout agent (anti-inflammatory) |
|---|---|
| Brand names | Colcrys, Mitigare, Gloperba, Lodoco |
| Spanish | colchicina |
| Also written | Colcrys, Mitigare, Gloperba, Lodoco |