Pericarditis / Coronary Inflammation

Colchicine (Pericarditis / Post-MI Inflammation)

Brand names: Colchicine Zurich

Used in: Gout

Colchicine is an anti-inflammatory used for acute gout, for flare prophylaxis when starting urate-lowering therapy, and in pericarditis.

Dosing — being independently re-sourced

ClinCalc Pro is rebuilding its dose data from primary open sources — the manufacturer SmPC (eMC), the WHO Model Formulary and other official references — under clinician review. This drug's structured dose is not yet published here. Confirm all doses against the product SmPC and your local formulary before prescribing.

US labelling (FDA)

Reference — US labelling, may differ from UK

The long-term use of colchicine is established for FMF and the prophylaxis of gout flares, but the safety and efficacy of repeat treatment for gout flares has not been evaluated. The dosing regimens for colchicine tablets are different for each indication and must be individualized. The recommended dosage of colchicine tablets depends on the patient’s age, renal function, hepatic function and use of coadministered drugs [see Error! Hyperlink reference not valid. , Error! Hyperlink reference not valid. , Error! Hyperlink reference not valid. ] . Colchicine tablets are administered orally without regard to meals. Colchicine tablets are not an analgesic medication and should not be used to …

Source: US FDA prescribing information (openFDA / DailyMed), label dated 2025-07-01. Accessed 2026-06-12. US dosing and indications can differ from UK practice — use UK sources for prescribing decisions.

Clinical monograph

How it works

It disrupts microtubule assembly, impairing neutrophil migration and the inflammatory response.

Prescribing in practice

It has a narrow margin — diarrhoea and gastrointestinal upset signal that the dose is too high; stop and reassess.
Reduce or avoid in significant renal or hepatic impairment.
Serious toxicity occurs with strong CYP3A4/P-glycoprotein inhibitors (e.g. clarithromycin, some antifungals); it is dangerous in overdose.

Monitoring

Review gastrointestinal symptoms, renal and hepatic function, and interacting drugs.

Counselling the patient

Stop and seek advice if you develop significant diarrhoea or vomiting.
Do not exceed the prescribed dose, and keep it away from children.

Evidence & guidelines

Used for acute gout and flare prophylaxis (NICE NG219) and as an adjunct in pericarditis.

Reference: COPE Trial (Imazio et al. Lancet 2005); COLCOT Trial (Tardif et al. NEJM 2019); LoDoCo2 Trial (Nidorf et al. NEJM 2020); ESC Pericardial Disease Guidelines 2015; SPC Colchicine; Drug verified in RxNorm (NLM); confirm dosing against the manufacturer SPC (eMC). Verify against your local formulary and current prescribing references before prescribing. Monograph status: clinician-reviewed (2026-07-04).

Curated clinical cross-links plus same-class fallbacks.

Calculators

Pathways