Colchicine

Colchicine: Uses, Dosage and Side Effects

Overview

Colchicine prevents the production of collagen, may increase collagenase activity and prevents the production and release of serum amyloid A.

Uses of Colchicine

• Reported to reduce granulation tissue formation following implantation of an endotracheal stent.
• Liver fibrosis and renal amyloidosis management.
• Prophylactic use in Shar pei fever cannot be recommended at this time.

Dose of Colchicine in Dogs and Cats

Dogs:

Initial dose 0.01 mg/kg p.o. q24h and, if no adverse GI effects, increase in incremental amounts every 3–4 days to a maximum dose of 0.03 mg/kg p.o. q12h.

Cats:

Not recommended.

Side Effects of Colchicine in Dogs and Cats

• Vomiting, abdominal discomfort, and diarrhea can occur.
• Renal injury, bone marrow suppression, myopathy, and peripheral neuropathy are rare.
• Colchicine increases blood ALP, decreases platelet counts, and falsely increases urine RBC and hemoglobin levels.

Contraindications of Colchicine in Dogs and Cats

• Pregnancy.
• severe renal impairment.

Some Notes:

• In Dogs, colchicine has only anecdotal evidence of its antifibrotic efficacy.
• In cats, there is no evidence for its efficacy as an antifibrotic.
• No evidence it helps handle chronic hepatitis.
• Use this drug cautiously due to its high adverse response rate.
• Colchicine and ciclosporin may enhance nephrotoxicity and myotoxicity.
• When administered with colchicine, NSAIDs, notably phenylbutazone, can cause thrombocytopenia, leucopenia, and bone marrow depression.
• Colchicine and many tumor chemotherapeutics may increase myelosuppression.