A patient experiencing an acute gout attack is prescribed antigout medication to reduce inflammation and pain. The physician prescribes colchicine, 1.2 mg P.O. as a loading dose, followed by 0.6 mg every hour (up to 16 doses) until relief is obtained or until adverse reactions develop. When can the patient expect relief from pain and inflammation?

Explanation

•After administration of oral colchicine, articular inflammation and pain start to improve within 12 hours, and usually subsides within 24-48 hours.

•Adverse reactions are common with colchicine. These include diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting.

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