Health Information

Colchicine

Drug Information

Colchicine reduces the inflammatory (swelling) response and pain in people with Reference gout (high uric acid blood levels leading to painful accumulation of uric acid crystals in and around joints).

Summary of Interactions with Vitamins, Herbs, & Foods

Reference What Are Nutrient Interactions

Types of interactions: Beneficial Adverse Check

Replenish Depleted Nutrients

Reference Beta-Carotene

Colchicine has been associated with impaired absorption of Reference beta-carotene, fat, lactose (milk sugar), Reference potassium, and sodium.¹

The interaction is supported by preliminary, weak, fragmentary, and/or contradictory scientific evidence.
Reference Potassium

Colchicine has been associated with impaired absorption of Reference beta-carotene, fat, lactose (milk sugar), Reference potassium, and sodium.²

The interaction is supported by preliminary, weak, fragmentary, and/or contradictory scientific evidence.
Reference 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.³ ^{, 4}

The interaction is supported by preliminary, weak, fragmentary, and/or contradictory scientific evidence.

Reduce Side Effects

none

Support Medicine

none

Reduces Effectiveness

Teas and Herbs with Tannin

Tannins are a group of unrelated chemicals that give plants an astringent taste. Herbs with large amounts of tannins may interfere with the absorption of codeine and should not be taken together with codeine or codeine-containing products.⁵ Herbs containing high levels of tannins include Reference green tea (Camellia sinensis), black tea, Reference uva ursi (Arctostaphylos uva-ursi), black walnut (Juglans nigra), Reference red raspberry (Rubus idaeus), Reference oak (Quercus spp.), and Reference witch hazel (Hamamelis virginiana).

The interaction is supported by preliminary, weak, fragmentary, and/or contradictory scientific evidence.

Potential Negative Interaction

none

Explanation Required

Sodium

Colchicine has been associated with impaired absorption of Reference beta-carotene, fat, lactose (milk sugar), Reference potassium, and sodium.⁶

The Drug-Nutrient Interactions table may not include every possible interaction. Taking medicines with meals, on an empty stomach, or with alcohol may influence their effects. For details, refer to the manufacturers’ package information as these are not covered in this table. If you take medications, always discuss the potential risks and benefits of adding a new supplement with your doctor or pharmacist.

References

1. Werbach MR. Foundations of Nutritional Medicine. Tarzana, CA: Third Line Press, 1997, 223–4 [review].

2. Werbach MR. Foundations of Nutritional Medicine. Tarzana, CA: Third Line Press, 1997, 223–4 [review].

3. Palopoli JJ, Waxman J. Colchicine neuropathy or vitamin B12 deficiency neuropathy? N Engl J Med 1987;317:1290 [letter].

4. Kuncl RW et al. Colchicine neuropathy or vitamin B12 deficiency neuropathy? N Engl J Med 1987;317:1290–1 [letter].

5. Brinker F. Interactions of pharmaceutical and botanical medicines. J Naturopathic Med 1997;7(2):14–20.

6. Werbach MR. Foundations of Nutritional Medicine. Tarzana, CA: Third Line Press, 1997, 223–4 [review].

Last Review: 11-07-2012

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The information presented in Aisle7 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 June 2013.

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