What is Autumn Crocus?

Commission E

Autumn Crocus

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

Composition of Drug
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.

Interactions with Other Drugs
None known.

Dosage
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.

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

Duration of Administration
No repetition of treatment for gout within 3 days.

Actions
Anti-chemotacticAntiphlogisticInhibitor of mitosis

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