Colchicine is obtained by extracting the seeds and/or corm of Colchicum autumnale Linn′e. Colchicine is a specific drug for the treatment
of gouty arthritis. It is especially useful in acute
attacks but also is used prophylactically in conjunction with other drugs, such as allopurinol
or phenylbutazone. The drug is believed to act
by disrupting microtubular assembly in inflammatory cells, thereby impairing both their locomotion and their membrane function, including
phagocytosis and the release of inflammatory
mediators. The alkaloid is extremely toxic and
must be used with care. Gastrointestinal adverse
effects include nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
Blood disorders, including agranulocytosis and
aplastic anemia, sometimes are seen after prolonged administration of this drug.
Off- White to Pale Yellow Solid
A metabolite of Colchicine
ChEBI: Colchiceine is a cyclic ketone.
Colchicina (Smith Kline,
Brazil), Colchicine (Various, USA), ColchicumDispert (Solvay, Poland), Colabid (Major,
USA).
