Colchicine
Also known as: Colcrys, Artrex, Colchily, Colchicquim, Colchis, Colcine, Colgout, Goutichine, Goutnil, Reugot, Ticolcin, Tolchicine, Colchicine
### Important Information for Pet Owners Colchicine is a specialized medication used to treat specific liver conditions or genetic fever syndromes (such as in Shar-Peis). Because it is a potent drug, careful monitoring is essential. - **Watch for Stomach Upset:** The most common and earliest signs of a problem are **nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or loss of appetite**. If you notice *any* of these, **stop the medication and contact your veterinarian immediately**. - **Investigational Use:** This drug is often used 'off-label' in veterinary medicine, meaning it is prescribed based on clinical experience rather than formal veterinary approval. - **Safety Precautions:** - Keep this medication strictly out of reach of children and other pets. Even a small accidental dose can be highly dangerous. - **Pregnant women** should avoid handling the medication or coming into contact with the treated pet's urine. If you must handle it, wear gloves.
Dosage must be set by your veterinarian for your specific pet. Never give human medication or another pet’s prescription without veterinary guidance.
What it is used for
- Fibrosis
- As an antifibrotic for the adjunctive treatment of hepatic fibrosis (Psittacines)
- Adjunctive treatment of hepatic cirrhosis/fibrosis
- Adjunctive treatment of hepatic cirrhosis/fibrosis
- Periodic fever syndrome in Shar Pei dogs
- To reduce the frequency and severity of fever and prevent the development of amyloidosis in dogs with Shar Pei Fever
- Fibrosis / Renal amyloidosis
How it is given
Possible side effects
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Abdominal pain
- Anorexia
- Bone marrow suppression (with prolonged use)
- Neutropenia (rare)
- Severe local irritation/thrombophlebitis (if extravasated IV)
- Diarrhoea
- Renal damage (rare)
- Bone marrow suppression (rare)
- Myopathy (rare)
- Peripheral neuropathy (rare)
- Increased serum ALP
Cautions & contraindications
- Serious renal dysfunction
- Serious gastrointestinal dysfunction
- Serious cardiac dysfunction
- Pregnancy (unless benefits strictly outweigh risks)
- Pregnancy
- Severe renal impairment
- ### Contraindications & Warnings - **Absolute Contraindications:** Patients with serious renal, gastrointestinal, or cardiac dysfunction. - **Caution:** Use with extreme care in geriatric or debilitated patients, and those in the early stages of organ dysfunction. - **Reproductive Safety:** Colchicine is **teratogenic** (FDA Category C for oral, Category D for parenteral) and reduces spermatogenesis. Use during pregnancy only if the potential benefits strictly outweigh the risks. Use cautiously in nursing mothers. - **Veterinary Status:** Use is considered somewhat controversial and experimental, as safety and efficacy are not definitively documented in all target species.
Drug interactions
- Bone Marrow Depressants (e.g., antineoplastics, immunosuppressants, chloramphenicol, amphotericin B): May cause additive myelosuppression when used concurrently with colchicine.
- Ciclosporin: Possible increased risk of nephrotoxicity and myotoxicity
- NSAIDs (e.g., Phenylbutazone): May increase the risks of thrombocytopenia, leucopenia, or bone marrow depression
- Anticancer chemotherapeutics: May cause additive myelosuppressive effects
Frequently asked questions
What is Colchicine used for in pets?
### Important Information for Pet Owners Colchicine is a specialized medication used to treat specific liver conditions or genetic fever syndromes (such as in Shar-Peis). Because it is a potent drug, careful monitoring is essential. - **Watch for Stomach Upset:** The most common and earliest signs of a problem are **nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or loss of appetite**. If you notice *any* of these, **stop the medication and contact your veterinarian immediately**. - **Investigational Use:** This drug is often used 'off-label' in veterinary medicine, meaning it is prescribed based on clinical experience rather than formal veterinary approval. - **Safety Precautions:** - Keep this medication strictly out of reach of children and other pets. Even a small accidental dose can be highly dangerous. - **Pregnant women** should avoid handling the medication or coming into contact with the treated pet's urine. If you must handle it, wear gloves.
Is Colchicine safe for my pet?
Dosage must be set by your veterinarian for your specific pet. Never give human medication or another pet’s prescription without veterinary guidance.
This article is for general education and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice. If your pet is unwell, please consult a veterinarian.
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