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Rotator cuff tendinopathy — MRCGP AKT MCQ

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HardTendinopathyRotator cuff tendinopathyMRCGP AKT

An adult with normal renal and hepatic function is prescribed colchicine for an acute gout attack. He takes 1 mg initially and 500 micrograms 1 hour later. Pain persists at hour 4. What does the authorised regimen require next?

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Correct answer: E — Take no further colchicine until 12 hours after the initial regimen

The best answer is “Take no further colchicine until 12 hours after the initial regimen”. The UK authorised acute-gout regimen is 1 mg initially followed by 500 micrograms after 1 hour, with no further tablets for 12 hours. Treatment can then resume if necessary at a maximum of 500 micrograms every 8 hours until symptoms resolve or a total course dose of 6 mg is reached. Another course must not start for at least 72 hours. Persistent pain at hour 4 is therefore not an indication to accelerate dosing, which could cause serious toxicity.

Reference: Colchicine 500 microgram tablets: Summary of Product Characteristics: https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/product/100968/smpc