Journal of The Korean Society of Clinical Toxicology

A Fatal Case of Colchicine Poisoning: Seung Hyun Ko, Gun Woo Lee; J Korean Soc Clin Toxicol. 2017;15(1):51-55. Published online June 30, 2017; DOI: https://doi.org/10.22537/jksct.2017.15.1.51

Abstract PDF: Colchicine is a drug that has long been used to treat a variety of illnesses; however, it reportedly has adverse effects at apparent toxic doses as well as at lower and therapeutically recommended doses. The typical therapeutic dose of colchicine is up to 2.4 mg daily, although it is sometimes as high as 8-10 mg daily. Here, we describe a case in which the patient showed sudden deterioration and died because of unintentional colchicine poisoning with a relatively small dose. When a colchicine poisoned patient visits the hospital, the physician should identify the patient's colchicine poisoning dose and concomitant drugs. Moreover, the patients should be monitored intensively for 24 to 72 hours and managed with various supportive treatment methods early and actively.

A Case of Colchicine Intoxication Presenting as Acute Gastroenteritis: Ji-Yun Ahn, You-Dong Sohn, Hyuk-Sool Kwon, Hee-Chol Ahn; J Korean Soc Clin Toxicol. 2008;6(2):138-141. Published online December 31, 2008

Abstract PDF: A 47-year-old woman ingested about 12 mg of colchicine with suicidal intent. Colchicine, a highly poisonous alkaloid, is a commonly used treatment for gout, Bechet's disease, and familial Mediterranean fever. Despite the knowledge of its side effects, the risk of a significant overdose is under-appreciated. She suffered from acute multisystem toxicity, including gastrointestinal disorders, bone marrow suppression, alopecia, and probable pancreatitis, but she ultimately recovered with supportive therapy. We report a case of acute colchicine toxicity from a single overdose with a review of the literature.

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