Sheryl,

I know its says this in the literature that comes with the drug but it doesn't say max. 4 hrs or whatever.

Without an upper limit surely this advice could lead to renal failure?

Cheers

The guideline is to take it every 1-2 hours "until pain decreases or vomiting or diarrhea occur" but not to exceed a total of 7 mg in any 48 hour period.

While some people do take meds only when there is a flare-up, people having frequent attacks should be on maintainance preventive therapy with daily colchicine and/or allopurinol or other medication, rather than taking frequent multiple doses of colchicine.

One thing not mentioned in this thread so far.

An effective way of reducing uric acid levels is to keep your self well hydrated.

I suffer from gout and know that I can eat any food I like so long as I drink 2-3 ltrs of water / day.

If I eat the wrong things and let myself become dehydrated the chances are I will have an attack.

I think most Dr.'s agree that a change of lifestyle is usually preferable to medication.

Cheers