Colchicine reduces the inflammatory (swelling) response and pain in people with gout (high uric acid blood levels leading to painful accumulation of
uric acid crystals in and around joints).
Safetychecker Summary
for Colchicine
(for details about the summarized interactions, read the full article)
 May be Beneficial: Depletion or
interference—The medication may deplete or interfere with the absorption or
function of the nutrient. Taking these nutrients may help replenish them. |
Beta-carotene*
Potassium*
Vitamin B12*
|
 Check: Other—Before taking any of these supplements
or eating any of these foods with your medication, read this article in full for details. |
Sodium
|
| Side effect reduction/prevention |
None known
|
| Supportive interaction |
None known
|
| Reduced drug
absorption/bioavailability |
None known
|
| Adverse interaction |
None known
|
An asterisk (*) next to an item in the summary indicates that the
interaction is supported only by weak, fragmentary, and/or contradictory scientific
evidence.
Interactions with Dietary Supplements
Vitamin B12
Colchicine may interfere with vitamin B12 in the body. Research is inconsistent. Both
colchicine and vitamin B12 deficiency are reported to cause neuropathies (disorders of the
nervous system), but it remains unclear whether neuropathies caused by colchicine could be due
to vitamin B12 depletion.1 2
Nutrient malabsorption
Colchicine has been associated with impaired absorption of beta-carotene, fat, lactose (milk sugar), potassium, and sodium.3
References:
1. Palopoli JJ, Waxman J. Colchicine neuropathy or vitamin B12 deficiency
neuropathy? N Engl J Med 1987;317:1290 [letter].
2. Kuncl RW et al. Colchicine neuropathy or vitamin B12 deficiency
neuropathy? N Engl J Med 1987;317:1290–1 [letter].
3. Werbach MR. Foundations of Nutritional Medicine. Tarzana, CA:
Third Line Press, 1997, 223–4 [review].
Copyright © 2002 Healthnotes, Inc. All rights
reserved. www.healthnotes.com
Please read the disclaimer
about the limitations of the information provided here. Do NOT rely solely on the information
in this article.
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Safetychecker.
The information presented in Healthnotes is for informational
purposes only. It is based on scientific studies (human, animal, or in vitro),
clinical experience, or traditional usage as cited in each article. The results reported may
not necessarily occur in all individuals. For many of the conditions discussed, treatment with
prescription or over-the-counter medication is also available. Consult your doctor,
practitioner, and/or pharmacist for any health problem and before using any supplements or
before making any changes in prescribed medications. Information expires December 2003.
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