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Colchicine toxicity — GPhC CRA MCQ

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EasyMusculoskeletal TherapeuticsColchicine toxicityGPhC CRA

A patient taking colchicine for gout develops severe diarrhoea and vomiting after taking more tablets than prescribed. He asks for loperamide. What is the most appropriate action?

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Correct answer: A — Refer urgently for possible colchicine toxicity

Colchicine has a narrow therapeutic index and overdose can be serious. Severe gastrointestinal symptoms after excess dosing require urgent assessment. Masking symptoms with loperamide while continuing colchicine would be unsafe.

Reference: BNF