Colchicine is an effective active ingredient used to treat acute gout, where there is severe inflammation as a result of high uric acid crystals formed in the toes joins. Colchicine works by reducing the number of white blood cells which travel into the inflamed areas. This helps break the cycle of inflammation and reduces swelling and pain. It will have been prescribed if you are unable to take anti-inflammatory painkillers, which are the medicines most often used to ease a gout attack. Colchicine is also marketed as Colcrys (trademark).
