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Active pharmaceutical ingredient

Colchicine

Colchicine is a potent anti-inflammatory agent primarily used in the management of gout and familial Mediterranean fever.

Compounded to order
Prescription required
Warwick, Rhode Island

About this ingredient

Colchicine is a well-established active pharmaceutical ingredient primarily used in the management of gout and familial Mediterranean fever. Its mechanism of action involves the disruption of microtubule formation, which in turn inhibits the migration of leukocytes to inflamed areas, thereby reducing inflammation and pain. This makes colchicine an effective option for acute gout flares and long-term management of chronic conditions associated with inflammation.

In addition to its anti-inflammatory properties, colchicine has been explored for its potential benefits in other conditions such as pericarditis and Behçet's disease. Its ability to modulate the inflammatory response without significantly affecting the immune system makes it a valuable tool in the therapeutic arsenal. However, due to its narrow therapeutic index, careful dosing and monitoring are essential to minimize the risk of toxicity.

Colchicine is metabolized in the liver and excreted primarily through the feces, with a smaller portion eliminated via the kidneys. This pharmacokinetic profile necessitates caution in patients with hepatic or renal impairment. Drug interactions, particularly with CYP3A4 inhibitors and P-glycoprotein inhibitors, can increase colchicine levels and the risk of adverse effects, underscoring the importance of a thorough medication review before prescribing.

Common side effects of colchicine include gastrointestinal disturbances such as diarrhea, nausea, and abdominal pain. These effects are dose-dependent and often resolve with dose adjustment. In rare cases, colchicine can cause more serious adverse effects like myopathy and bone marrow suppression, especially in patients with predisposing factors or those on interacting medications.

Given its potent effects and potential for toxicity, colchicine should be prescribed with a clear understanding of the patient's overall health status and concurrent medications. Its role in managing inflammatory conditions remains significant, and ongoing research continues to explore its full therapeutic potential. As a compounding pharmacy, Bayview Pharmacy is committed to providing customized colchicine formulations to meet the specific needs of patients and healthcare providers.

Available formulations

Compounded formulations containing this ingredient

Each of these is compounded to order at our Warwick, Rhode Island pharmacy and requires a prescription.

We do not have a patient page for this ingredient yet. That does not mean we cannot make it. Bayview compounds this ingredient to a prescriber's order, and our full compounding formulary lists every preparation we make. Viewing the formulary requires a prescriber account.

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Compounding formulary

Formulas we compound with this ingredient

A sample of preparations from our formulary. Strengths and dose forms are customised to the prescription.

Common questions

Frequently asked questions

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Related

Related active ingredients

Other salt forms of this molecule, and ingredients commonly compounded alongside it.

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Important information

This page describes an active pharmaceutical ingredient, not a finished drug product. Bayview Pharmacy compounds preparations containing it only on a prescriber's order for an individual patient.

Compounded preparations are not FDA-approved, and the FDA has not evaluated them for safety, effectiveness, or manufacturing quality. Nothing on this page is a claim that any preparation is effective for any condition.

A valid prescription is required. Availability depends on Bayview's licensure in your state. This page is general information, not medical advice — discuss your situation with a licensed healthcare provider.

Talk to a compounding pharmacist

Our pharmacists work with prescribers to build preparations around a patient's dose, form and tolerances. Ask us what is possible with this ingredient.