Colchicine for gout
Request Colchicine tablets to manage symptoms of gout attacks and prevent future flare-ups
Prices from £14.99
In stock. Simply fill in a brief questionnaire. One of our doctors will review your order and prescribe a suitable treatment. How to Order
-
Colchicine tablets are a prescription-only generic treatment for gout. The active ingredient in the tablets, colchicine, works by reducing the inflammation caused by the build up of uric acid in your joints which causes gout. The tablets can get to work within as little as 30 minutes up to 2 hours to reduce pain and can also help to prevent future flare ups.
Colchicine 500mcg is available to request at Asda Online Doctor. Simply request a consultation and fill in a short health questionnaire. You can collect it from your local Asda pharmacy or have it delivered straight to your door if one of our doctors approves its suitability for you.
About colchicine
-
-
Colchicine is a generic medication, this means the active ingredient is the same as the name on the box, colchicine. Colchicine is an anti-inflammatory medication that is used to help with the pain of sudden and onset inflammation that gout causes, it treats gout attacks and prevents future flare ups of gout.
-
-
Colchicine is an anti-inflammatory medication, which means it works by stopping your body’s white blood cells (immune response) of inflammation as a response to uric acid crystals in the joints which are caused by gout.
Gout happens when there is too much uric acid in your blood. This can turn into sharp crystals called monosodium urate crystals that can settle in your joints and cause pain, swelling and inflammation. Colchicine works to soothe this inflammation response.
How long does colchicine last?
The half-life of colchicine is 3 to 10 hours. The usual dose to treat a gout attack is 1 tablet (500mcg) taken up to 4 times a day until you feel better. You should always take colchicine as prescribed by your doctor.
How long does colchicine take to work?
Colchicine can work within just 30 minutes to up to 2 hours. If you are in significant pain, it may take from 24 to 48 hours. It is very important to take Colchicine as prescribed, we recommend taking the first dose at the first sign of a flare up.
How effective is colchicine?
Clinical studies have found a 50% decrease in pain within 32 to 36 hours for 42% of patients compared to 17% for those taking a placebo (a tablet with no medication in), when taking colchicine for acute gout flare ups.
Ongoing studies from 2025 on colchicine have shown that it is significantly effective for inflammation, reducing risks of heart attacks and strokes in patients, which is a risk for gout patients. More clinical evidence is still needed in the UK, though colchicine is an effective treatment for immediate relief and long term suppression of inflammation.
-
-
You should take colchicine as prescribed by your doctor.
500mcg of colchicine tablets are available at Asda Online Doctor. It is recommended to take 1 tablet 2 to 4 times a day until you feel better, taking no more than 12 tablets per course. Each tablet should be swallowed whole with water.
How often you should take colchicine will depend on whether you are taking it as relief for a flare up (a gout attack) or for prevention of further flare ups. Colchicine is usually prescribed for acute flare ups/gout attacks to relieve the pain of inflammation.
If you are having a gout flare up Take 1 tablet 2 to 4 times a day until you feel better. Do not take more than 12 tablets during your treatment course. If you are preventing a gout flare up Your doctor may prescribe colchicine alongside allopurinol to manage prevention of further gout attacks. Full guidance on how to take colchicine tablets are available in the patient information leaflet included with the medication.
Do not take more than 12 tablets in your course of treatment.
-
-
Like with all medications, colchicine can cause side effects, but not everyone will experience them.
Common side effects include:
- stomach pain
- diarrhoea
- nausea
- vomiting
If you experience any of the following side effects, stop taking colchicine and immediately contact your doctor, call 999 or go to your nearest accident and emergency:
- vomiting blood
- severe stomach pain
- blood in your poo or very dark, sticky poo
- fever
- inflammation of the mouth
- yellowing of your skin or eyes
- severe sore throat
- unexpected bleeding or bruising
- severe muscle pains
- difficulty breathing, facial swelling or hives, which can be signs of an allergic reaction
A full list of potential side effects are available in the patient information leaflet included with your medication.
How long do colchicine side effects last?
A few days to a few weeks. However, it depends from person to person. A lot of the time side effects stop once you stop taking colchicine. You should speak to your doctor if you think you need to stop taking colchicine because of side effects.
What to do if you get colchicine side effects
Immediately contact your doctor, call 999 or go to your nearest accident and emergency if you experience any of the listed severe side effects when you start taking colchicine.
-
-
Colchicine may not be right for everyone - certain conditions or some medications can interact with colchicine and make it less effective, or potentially unsafe.
You should tell your doctor or pharmacist before taking colchicine if you:
- have problems with your heart, kidneys, liver or digestive system
- are elderly
- have a blood disorder
Do not take colchicine tablets if you:
- are pregnant or thinking about getting pregnant
- are allergic to colchicine
- have a blood disorder that is severe
- are breastfeeding
- are undergoing haemodialysis
- have kidney or liver problems
- are at increased risk of bleeding
Some medications may interact with colchicine. You must not take colchicine with any of the following medications:
- antibiotics like clarithromycin, erythromycin and telithromycin
- anti-viral drugs used to treat HIV like ritonavir, atazanavir and indinavir
- ciclosporin
- anti-fungal medications like ketoconazole, itraconazole and voriconazole
- disulfram
- heart medications like verapamil and diltiazem
Speak with your doctor if you are currently taking or thinking of taking:
- cimetidine
- tolbutamide
- digoxin
- statins or fibrates
- grapefruit juice
Always talk to your doctor about the current medications you are taking and medications you are thinking of taking before requesting colchicine.
-
-
Colchicine is available via prescription from online doctor services like Asda Online Doctor. It is also available to be prescribed by your local GP if it is suitable for you, you would first need a consultation.
Can I buy colchicine online?
Yes. Colchicine is available to request online at Asda Online Doctor as it is a prescription-only medication. To request colchicine:
- Fill in a quick online health questionnaire.
- One of our doctors will review your request to assess your suitability.
- If your request is approved you can collect colchicine from your local Asda Pharmacy or get it delivered to your door.
- If your request is not approved, one of our doctors may recommend an alternative treatment.
Can I buy colchicine over the counter?
No. Colchicine is only available via prescription.
Can I get colchicine on the NHS?
Yes. Colchicine is available on the NHS in most local GP surgeries. You will however need to get an appointment with your doctor for a consultation.
-
-
If you’re unsure if colchicine is right for you, alternatives are available. Here is an overview of comparisons to potential alternatives which may be suitable:
Colchicine vs Allopurinol
Colchicine and Allopurinol are different types of medications that work in slightly different ways to help manage gout.
Allopurinol works to lower the amount of uric acid in the body over time by blocking the enzyme that creates it, preventing further flare ups. On the other-hand, colchicine stops your body from responding in a way that creates inflammation and pain.
In many cases, doctors prescribe both. It depends on the progression and stage of your gout.
Here is an overview of colchicine and allopurinol:
Colchicine Allopurinol What is it Anti-inflammatory medication Xanthine oxidase inhibitor How does it work Lowers uric acid in blood by stopping body’s response that creates inflammation and pain Lowers uric acid amount in body over time by blocking the enzyme that makes uric acid What is it for Treats pain at first sign of a gout attack or flare up Daily treatment long-term prevention of gout How long does it take to work Works within 30 mins up to 2 hours or between 24 to 48 hours depending on the pain you are in Can take weeks or months to feel benefit and full effects How to take it Swallowing a tablet Swallowing a tablet Effectiveness 50% decrease in pain within 32 to 36 hours for 42% of patients compared to those taking placebo (17%) 96% of patients on track for healing with low levels of uric acid amounts as a result of Allopurinol treatment for long-term prevention of flare ups Active ingredient Colchicine Allopurinol -
-
Treatments like colchicine and non-steroidal anti-inflammatary drugs (NSAIDS) are both effective first-line treatments for acute attacks of gout. Your doctor will likely assess which out of the two kinds of medication is most suitable for your stage of gout.
NSAIDs work to reduce pain and inflammation by blocking the enzymes that make signals to you that you are in pain, they work to help relieve pain, inflammation and fever generally in the body. NSAIDs include ibuprofen, or naproxen. They are usually prescribed at higher doses for gout.
Colchicine is more specific to gout and your body’s reaction to the crystals that cause the pain as a result of gout, whereas NSAIDs relieve general pain. Colchicine is usually prescribed at low doses.
Clinical trials have found colchicine and NSAID to provide a similar pain relief for gout. Colchicine is to be prescribed for a shorter period of time and it was found that it was more effective if given in the first 12-36 hours of a flare up.
-
Frequently asked questions
Is colchicine an anti-inflammatory or a painkiller?
Colchicine is a specialised anti-inflammatory medication for gout. It is not a painkiller, but reduces pain by targeting inflammation caused by uric acid crystals in joints.
Can you take colchicine and naproxen together for gout?
Yes. Colchicine and naproxen can be used together for gout, there are no interactions between them. They can be used together to treat gout flares. You should still tell your doctor if you are thinking of taking naproxen with colchicine as taking both together could increase your risk of kidney or bleeding side effects, especially if at risk of these.
Can you take ibuprofen with colchicine for gout?
Yes. Ibuprofen and colchicine can be used together to treat gout flares as there are no interactions between the two. You should still tell your doctor if you are thinking of taking ibuprofen with colchicine as, similar to naproxen, taking both together can increase the risk of side effects and should only be done for short periods.
Can I drink alcohol while taking colchicine tablets?
Yes, but with caution and in moderation. There is no interaction between colchicine and alcohol, however alcohol can increase uric acid levels in the blood which can cause pain from gout and flare ups, so drinking alcohol is not recommended as it can increase side effects.
Is colchicine safe to take long-term?
Yes. Colchicine is generally safe to take at a low dose repeatedly. However, you will need to be monitored by your doctor and if you begin needing colchicine frequently, they may recommend starting a preventative treatment like allopurinol.
Dr Clair Grainger studied at The University of Edinburgh from 2004 to 2009. She's worked in hospitals throughout Edinburgh and London before completing her GP training in North Middlesex Hospital in 2017.
Meet our doctorsLast reviewed: 13 Mar 2026
-
Colchicine 500 micrograms Tablets, EMC (accessed February 2026)
-
Colchicine for treating acute gout flares, Cochrane (accessed February 2026)
-
Colchicine and cardiovascular protection in gout: unresolved questions, The Lancet Rheumatology (accessed February 2026)
-
Allopurinol for chronic gout, Cochrane Musculoskeletal (accessed February 2026)
GMC: 7074021
GMC: 6149065
GMC: 7085115
In stock. Prices from £14.99
Secure payment 
