Colchicine Side Effects

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Aug 29, 2023.

Applies to colchicine: oral capsule, oral solution, oral tablet.

Serious side effects of colchicine

Along with its needed effects, colchicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur while taking colchicine:

More common

• diarrhea
• nausea
• stomach pain
• vomiting

Rare

• black, tarry stools
• blood in the urine or stools
• burning, "crawling", or tingling feeling in the skin
• difficulty with breathing when exercising
• fever with or without chills
• headache
• large, hive-like swellings on the face, eyelids, mouth, lips, or tongue
• muscle weakness
• numbness in the fingers or toes (usually mild)
• pain
• peeling of the skin
• pinpoint red spots on the skin
• redness of the skin
• skin rash or hives
• sore throat
• sores, ulcers, or white spots on the lips or in the mouth
• swelling
• tenderness
• unusual bleeding or bruising
• unusual tiredness or weakness

Incidence not known

• bleeding gums
• chest pain or tightness
• cough
• dark urine
• headache
• high fever
• muscle cramps, spasms, or stiffness
• muscular pain, tenderness, or wasting
• painful or difficult urination
• pale skin
• sensation of pins and needles
• stabbing pain
• swollen or painful glands

Get emergency help immediately if any of the following symptoms of overdose occur while taking colchicine:

Symptoms of overdose

• bleeding
• burning feeling in the stomach, throat, or skin
• chest pain or discomfort
• chills
• cold, clammy, pale skin
• confusion
• cough
• diarrhea (severe or bloody)
• dizziness
• eye pain
• fever
• general feeling of illness
• headache
• irregular heartbeat
• irregular, fast, slow, or shallow breathing
• muscle weakness (very severe)
• nausea, stomach pain, or vomiting (severe)
• seizures
• slow heart rate
• sore throat
• unusual tiredness

Other side effects of colchicine

Some side effects of colchicine may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects.

Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

Less common

• hair loss or thinning of hair
• loss of appetite

Incidence not known

• stomach bloating from increased gas
• stomach cramping

For healthcare professionals

Applies to colchicine: compounding powder, intravenous solution, oral capsule, oral liquid, oral tablet.

General

The most common adverse reactions have included gastrointestinal symptoms and pharyngolaryngeal pain.^[Ref]

Gastrointestinal

• Very common (10% or more): Diarrhea (23%)
• Common (1% to 10%): Abdominal cramping, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting
• Frequency not reported: Lactose intolerance, gastrointestinal hemorrhage, paralytic ileus, stomatitis^[Ref]

Gastrointestinal events including diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain are the most common adverse reactions reported with use of this drug. These events are often the first signs of toxicity and may indicate the need for dose reduction or therapy discontinuation.^[Ref]

Hematologic

• Rare (less than 0.1%): Agranulocytosis, thrombocytopenia, aplastic anemia
• Postmarketing reports: Myelosuppression, disseminated intravascular coagulation^[Ref]

Nervous system

• Rare (less than 0.1%): Peripheral neuritis
• Frequency not reported: Sensory motor neuropathy^[Ref]

Musculoskeletal

• Rare (less than 0.1%): Myopathy, rhabdomyolysis
• Frequency not reported: Elevated CPK, myotonia, muscle weakness, muscle pain^[Ref]

Hypersensitivity

• Very rare (less than 0.01%): Hypersensitivity including angioedema^[Ref]

Renal

• Frequency not reported: Renal damage, bladder spasm, anuria, oliguria^[Ref]

Hepatic

• Frequency not reported: elevated AST, elevated ALT, elevated alkaline phosphatase, hepatic damage^[Ref]

Respiratory

• Common (1% to 10%): Pharyngolaryngeal pain
• Postmarketing reports: Adult respiratory distress syndrome^[Ref]

Ocular

• Frequency not reported: Delayed corneal wound healing^[Ref]

There have been reports of corneal ulcers refractory to conventional treatment and delayed corneal wound healing following strabismus surgery in patients receiving colchicine. Discontinuation of colchicine therapy resulted in satisfactory wound healing within several days.^[Ref]

Dermatologic

• Rare (less than 0.1%): Alopecia
• Very rare (less than 0.01%): Nonthrombocytopenic purpura rashes, rashes, urticaria, dermatoses, dermatitis
• Frequency not reported: Maculopapular rash^[Ref]

Endocrine

• Frequency not reported: Hypothyroidism^[Ref]

Genitourinary

• Rare (less than 0.1%): Azoospermia, oligospermia
• Frequency not reported: Amenorrhea, dysmenorrhea, hematuria^[Ref]

Metabolic

• Frequency not reported: Loss of appetite^[Ref]

Frequently asked questions

• Can Colchicine be used to treat COVID-19 (coronavirus)?

Further information

Colchicine side effects can vary depending on the individual. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Some side effects may not be reported. You may report them to the FDA.

Medical Disclaimer