Patient/caregiver was educated on contraindications for using Colchicine as follows:
- Colchicine is partially metabolized in the liver to inactive metabolites. If liver function is deficient, the metabolism of Colchicine can be compromised. This can lead to increased blood levels of the medication for longer periods of time, resulting in increased risk for side-effects and consequent toxicity. So, in individuals with history of compromised liver function, Colchicine use could be avoided or used with caution and possible dose adjustments, periodical monitoring for liver functions and development of any toxicity symptoms with the medication.
- Many antibacterial and antifungal antibiotics, cholesterol lowering drugs, grapefruit juice, taken along with Colchicine, can influence and slowdown the metabolism of Colchicine in the body. Slowdown of Colchicine metabolism can contribute towards accumulation of the drug in the body, thus leading to development of toxic side-effects. So, Colchicine must be avoided taken along with the abovementioned medications and food items.
