Update on colchicine and its mechanism of action

Curr Rheumatol Rep. 2002 Jun;4(3):252-6. doi: 10.1007/s11926-002-0073-2.

Abstract

Colchicine is a unique anti-inflammatory drug with respect to its limited clinical usefulness and its mode of action. Colchicine is mainly indicated for the treatment and prophylaxis of gout and familial Mediterranean fever. Its mode of action includes modulation of chemokine and prostanoid production and inhibition of neutrophil and endothelial cell adhesion molecules by which it interferes with the initiation and amplification of the joint inflammation. This paper discusses its adverse effects and indications.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Colchicine / adverse effects
  • Colchicine / pharmacokinetics*
  • Colchicine / therapeutic use*
  • Gout / drug therapy*
  • Gout Suppressants / adverse effects
  • Gout Suppressants / pharmacokinetics*
  • Gout Suppressants / therapeutic use*
  • Humans

Substances

  • Gout Suppressants
  • Colchicine