.
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).
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
Summary of Interactions for Colchicine
| Depletion or interference |
Beta-carotene* Potassium* Vitamin B12* |
|---|---|
| Adverse interaction | None known |
| Side effect reduction/prevention | None known |
| Supportive interaction | None known |
| Reduced drug absorption/bioavailability | None known |
| Other (see text) | Sodium |
For the convenience of the reader, the information in the summary is categorized as follows: “Depletion or interference” indicates the drug may deplete or interfere with the absorption or function of the supplement or herb. “Adverse interaction” indicates that the supplement or herb used together with the drug may result in undesirable effects. “Side effect reduction/prevention” indicates the supplement or herb may reduce the likelihood and/or severity of a potential side effect caused by the drug. “Supportive interaction” indicates the supplement or herb may support or aid the function of the drug. “Reduced drug absorption/bioavailability” indicates that the supplement or herb may decrease the absorption and/or activity of the drug in the body. An asterisk (*) next to an item in the summary indicates that the interaction is supported only by weak, fragmentary, and/or contradictory scientific evidence.
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 VitaminLore, Inc. All rights reserved. www.VitaminLore.com
Please read the disclaimer about the limitations of the information provided here. Do NOT rely solely on the information in this article.
Click here Buy Vitamins and Nutritional Supplements at very low prices..
Buy Brand name Vitamins for less from www.vitaminlore.com. Safetychecker.
The information presented in VitaminLore 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.