Gout

[Sheryl]

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.

[percy2]

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