Autumn Crocus

Colchici semen, autumn crocus (meadow saffron) seed.  
Colchici tuber, autumn crocus (meadow saffron) tuber.  
Colchici flos, autumn crocus (meadow saffron) flower.  

The drug consists of the dried seeds harvested in June or July, or the cut and dried tubers harvested in July or August, or the fresh flowers harvested in late summer and autumn of Colchicum autumnale L.  [Fam.  Liliaceae], as well as their preparations in effective dosage.   Colchicum autumnale contains colchicine as active ingredient: at least 0.4 percent in seeds ( DAC 1979, standard delivery).  

Uses

Acute gout attack, familial Mediterranean fever.  

Contraindications

Pregnancy.

Note:Care must be observed with old and weakened patients, as well as with those who suffer from heart, kidney or gastrointestinal conditions.  

Side Effects

Diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, leukopenia; with extended use, skin alterations, agranulocytosis, aplastic anemia, myopathy and alopecia.  

None known.  

Unless otherwise prescribed:

• For an acute attack, an initial oral dose corresponding to 1 mg colchicine, followed by 0.5 - 1.5 mg every 1 - 2 hours until pain subsides.

Total daily dosage must not surpass 8 mg of colchicine.  

For familial Mediterranean fever, prophylactic and therapeutic purposes, dosage corresponding to 0.5 - 1.5 mg of colchicine.  

Comminuted drug, freshly pressed juice and other galenical preparations taken orally.  

No repetition of treatment for gout within 3 days.  

Anti-chemotactic
Antiphlogistic
Inhibitor of mitosis