Drug/Small Molecule:
colchicine

2D structure

Overview

Generic Names: Colchicin; Colchicina; Colchicinum
Trade Names: Col-probenecid; Colbenemid; Condylon; Proben-C
Brand Mixtures: Arnix Gel (Colchicine + Hahnemann's Causticum + Ivy + Ledum Palustre + Poison Ivy + Propolis + Rhododendron Chrysanthemum + Thuja Occidentalis); Arnix HP (Apis Mellifica + Bryonia + Colchicine + Hahnemann's Causticum + Ivy + Ledum Palustre + Poison Ivy + Pulsatilla + Rhododendron Chrysanthemum); Art HP (Apis Mellifica + Bryonia + Colchicine + Hahnemann's Causticum + Ivy + Ledum Palustre + Poison Ivy + Pulsatilla + Rhododendron Chrysanthemum); DB HP (Colchicine + Eugenia Jambolana + Lactic Acid + Lycopodium Clavatum + Phosphoric Acid + Phosphorus + Uranium Nitrate); Edemnix HP (Apis Mellifica + Cinchona Officinalis + Colchicine + Ledum Palustre + Lycopodium Clavatum + Poison Ivy + Sambucus Nigra + Strophanthus Hispidus); Edma HP (Apis Mellifica + Cinchona Officinalis + Colchicine + Ledum Palustre + Lycopodium Clavatum + Poison Ivy + Sambucus Nigra + Strophanthus Hispidus); Jnt-Nix HP (Bryonia + Colchicine + Kalmia Latifolia + Ledum Palustre + Lycopodium Clavatum + Poison Ivy + Rhododendron Chrysanthemum); Sciat HP (Aconitinum + Arnica Montana + Colchicine + Esculin + Hypericum Perforatum + Magnesium Phosphate Dibasic + Plumbum Metallicum + Poison Ivy); Sciatinix HP (Aconitinum + Arnica Montana + Colchicine + Esculin + Hypericum Perforatum + Magnesium Phosphate Dibasic + Plumbum Metallicum + Poison Ivy); Sucurnix HP (Colchicine + Eugenia Jambolana + Lactic Acid + Lycopodium Clavatum + Phosphoric Acid + Phosphorus + Uranium Nitrate)
PharmGKB Accession Id: PA449092

Description

A major alkaloid from Colchicum autumnale L. and found also in other Colchicum species. Its primary therapeutic use is in the treatment of gout, but it has been used also in the therapy of familial Mediterranean fever (periodic disease). PubChem (source: Drug Bank)

Indication

For treatment and relief of pain in attacks of acute gouty arthritis. (source: Drug Bank)

ATC Therapeutic Category

  • M04AC:Preparations with no effect on uric acid metabolism

Pharmacology, Interactions, and Contraindications

Mechanism Of Action

The precise mechanism of action has not been completely established. In patients with gout, colchicine apparently interrupts the cycle of monosodium urate crystal deposition in joint tissues and the resultant inflammatory response that initiates and sustains an acute attack. Colchicine decreases leukocyte chemotaxis and phagocytosis and inhibits the formation and release of a chemotactic glycoprotein that is produced during phagocytosis of urate crystals. Colchicine also inhibits urate crystal deposition, which is enhanced by a low pH in the tissues, probably by inhibiting oxidation of glucose and subsequent lactic acid production in leukocytes. Colchicine has no analgesic or antihyperuricemic activity. Colchicine inhibits microtubule assembly in various cells, including leukocytes, probably by binding to and interfering with polymerization of the microtubule subunit tubulin. Although some studies have found that this action probably does not contribute significantly to colchicine's antigout action, a recent in vitro study has shown that it may be at least partially involved. (source: Drug Bank)

Pharmacology

Colchicine is a highly poisonous alkaloid, originally extracted from plants of the genus Colchicum (Autumn crocus, also known as the "Meadow saffron"). Originally used to treat rheumatic complaints and especially gout, it was also prescribed for its cathartic and emetic effects. Its present medicinal use is mainly in the treatment of gout; as well, it is being investigated for its potential use as an anti-cancer drug. It can also be used as initial treatment for pericarditis and preventing recurrences of the condition. (source: Drug Bank)

Food Interactions

Avoid alcohol since it increases uric acid levels.
Drink liberally.
Take without regard to meals. (source: Drug Bank)

Absorption, Distribution, Metabolism, Elimination & Toxicity

Biotransformation

Probably hepatic. Although colchicine metabolites have not been identified in humans, metabolism by mammalian hepatic microsomes has been demonstrated in vitro. (source: Drug Bank)

Protein Binding

Low to moderate (30 to 50%). (source: Drug Bank)

Absorption

Colchicine is rapidly absorbed after oral administration, probably from the jejunum and ileum. However, the rate and extent of absorption are variable, depending on the tablet dissolution rate; variability in gastric emptying, intestinal motility, and pH at the absorption site; and the extent to which colchicine is bound to microtubules in gastrointestinal mucosal cells. (source: Drug Bank)

Toxicity

The onset of toxic effects is usually delayed for several hours or more after the ingestion of an acute overdose. Nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhea occur first. The diarrhea may be bloody due to hemorrhagic gastroenteritis. Burning sensations of the throat, stomach, and skin may be prominent symptoms. Extensive vascular damage may result in shock. Kidney damage, evidenced by hematuria and oliguria, may occur. Muscular weakness may be marked, and ascending paralysis of the central nervous system may develop; the patient usually remains conscious. Delirium and convulsions may occur. Death due to respiratory arrest may result. Although death from the ingestion of as little as 7 mg has been reported, much larger doses have been survived . (source: Drug Bank)

Isomeric SMILES Code:

CC(=O)N[C@H]1CCc2cc(c(c(c2-c3c1cc(=O)c(cc3)OC)OC)OC)OC (source: Drug Bank)

The following genes are in curated knowledge about this drug.

  Gene Relationship Evidence
Phenotype data available Genotype Data Available Literature annotations available Has annotations
ABCB1
  •   
  •   
  • PK
  • FA
  •   
Publications
Phenotype data available Genotype Data Available Literature annotations available Not annotated
ABCC1
  •   
  •   
  •   
  • FA
  •   
Publications
No phenotype data No genotype data Literature annotations available Not annotated
SAA1
  • CO
  •   
  •   
  •   
  • GN
Publications

A list of non-curated publications that mention this drug along with other genes is available.

Drug Targets

Gene Description
ABCB1 Uncurated Annotation (source: Drug Bank)
MEFV Uncurated Annotation (source: Drug Bank)
TUBB Uncurated Annotation (source: Drug Bank)
TUBB1 Uncurated Annotation (source: Drug Bank)
TUBB2A Uncurated Annotation (source: Drug Bank)

PID Pathways

External pathways not curated by PharmGKB.

A list of non-curated publications that mention this drug along with other drugs is available.

Drug Interactions

Drug Description
atorvastatin Uncurated Annotation Increased risk of rhabdomyolysis with this combination (source: Drug Bank)
cerivastatin Uncurated Annotation Increased risk of rhabdomyolysis with this combination (source: Drug Bank)
clarithromycin Uncurated Annotation Severe colchicine toxicity can occur (source: Drug Bank)
cyclosporine Uncurated Annotation Increased toxicity of both drugs (source: Drug Bank)
erythromycin Uncurated Annotation Severe colchicine toxicity can occur (source: Drug Bank)
fluvastatin Uncurated Annotation Increased risk of rhabdomyolysis with this combination (source: Drug Bank)
lovastatin Uncurated Annotation Increased risk of rhabdomyolysis with this combination (source: Drug Bank)
pravastatin Uncurated Annotation Increased risk of rhabdomyolysis with this combination (source: Drug Bank)
rosuvastatin Uncurated Annotation Increased risk of rhabdomyolysis with this combination (source: Drug Bank)
simvastatin Uncurated Annotation Increased risk of rhabdomyolysis with this combination (source: Drug Bank)
telithromycin Uncurated Annotation Severe colchicine toxicity can occur (source: Drug Bank)
troleandomycin Uncurated Annotation Severe colchicine toxicity can occur (source: Drug Bank)
verapamil Uncurated Annotation Verapamil increases colchicine's effect and toxicity (source: Drug Bank)

Curated Information

The following diseases are in curated knowledge about this drug.

  Disease Relationship Evidence
No phenotype data No genotype data Literature annotations available Not annotated
Familial Mediterranean Fever
  • CO
  •   
  •   
  •   
  • GN
Publications

Non-Curated Information

A list of non-curated publications that mention this drug along with other diseases is available.

Additional Datasets

These datasets are minimally curated and are sorted alphabetically by title.

  1. The Connectivity Map: using gene-expression signatures to connect small molecules, genes, and disease

LinkOuts

Web Resource:
Wikipedia
DrugBank:
DB01394
KEGG Compound ID:
C07592
KEGG Drug ID:
D00570
PubChem Compound ID:
6167
PubChem Substance ID:
7847636
IUPHAR Ligand ID:
2367

Common Searches

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Non-Curated Publications

A list of non-curated publications that mention this drug is available.

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