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Colchicine toxicity — GPhC CRA MCQ

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ModerateMusculoskeletal TherapeuticsColchicine toxicityGPhC CRA

A 76-year-old taking colchicine for gout returns after two days with severe diarrhoea, abdominal cramps and vomiting. He has chronic kidney disease and is also taking clarithromycin prescribed elsewhere. What is the most appropriate action?

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Correct answer: D — Advise urgent medical assessment and withhold further colchicine

Gastrointestinal symptoms can be early signs of colchicine toxicity, and risk is increased by renal impairment and interacting medicines such as clarithromycin. The patient needs urgent assessment and should not continue colchicine without review. Loperamide would not address toxicity. Increasing the dose would be dangerous.

Reference: BNF