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Colchicine toxicity — GPhC CRA MCQ

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HardMusculoskeletal TherapeuticsColchicine toxicityGPhC CRA

A patient taking colchicine for gout reports severe diarrhoea and vomiting after taking extra tablets for pain. They also has CKD. What is the most appropriate action?

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Correct answer: A — Refer urgently because colchicine toxicity can be serious

Colchicine has a narrow therapeutic index and toxicity risk increases with overdose and renal impairment. Severe gastrointestinal symptoms require urgent assessment. In this scenario, the correct option is refer urgently because colchicine toxicity can be serious. The other options are plausible but do not address the key clinical, legal or safety issue as directly. This aligns with UK pharmacy practice guidance cited in the reference field.

Reference: BNF