Home/Medicines/Colchicine

Colchicine

Prescription

Anti-Gout / Antifibrotic Agent

Last reviewed 21 Apr 2026 · PetCare.AI Editorial Team

Species

Dog, Cat

Brands

2 available

Interactions

2 documented

Formulations

Mechanism of action

Binds tubulin disrupting microtubule assembly, inhibiting neutrophil migration and inflammatory mediator release. Also inhibits collagen synthesis by fibroblasts (antifibrotic).

At a glance

Class

Anti-Gout / Antifibrotic Agent

Schedule

Prescription

Storage

Store at room temperature 20–25°C, protect from light

Dosing

🐕

Dog

Used for hepatic fibrosis and amyloidosis prevention (Shar-Pei fever)

Dose

0.025–0.03 mg/kg

Route

Frequency

q24h

🐈

Cat

Used for prevention of renal amyloidosis in predisposed breeds

Dose

0.01–0.03 mg/kg

Route

Frequency

q24h

Educational reference only

This information is provided for educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified veterinarian before administering any medication to your pet. Find a vet near you →

Formulations

💊

Other — 1

Strength

—

Storage

Store at room temperature 20–25°C, protect from light

Safety

Monitoring parameters

GI toleranceCBC every 3–6 monthsHepatic and renal function

Educational reference only

Interactions

Major — 2

Ketoconazole (Systemic)

major

Colchicine is a CYP3A4 and P-glycoprotein substrate. Ketoconazole inhibits both, causing colchicine accumulation and severe toxicity (myelosuppression, multi-organ failure).

Management: Avoid combination. If concurrent use unavoidable, reduce colchicine dose by 50-75% and monitor CBC closely.

Clarithromycin

major

Clarithromycin potently inhibits CYP3A4 and P-glycoprotein, causing dangerous colchicine accumulation. Fatal interactions documented in humans.

Management: Avoid. Use alternative antibiotic. If essential, reduce colchicine dose significantly and monitor CBC.

Educational reference only

Brands

Other markets

Colcrys

Mitigare

FAQs

Frequently asked questions

›What is Colchicine?

Colchicine is a anti-gout / antifibrotic agent used in pets. Binds tubulin disrupting microtubule assembly, inhibiting neutrophil migration and inflammatory mediator release. Also inhibits collagen synthesis by fibroblasts (antifibrotic).

›What is Colchicine used for in pets?

Colchicine is used in veterinary medicine for: Used for hepatic fibrosis and amyloidosis prevention (Shar-Pei fever); Used for prevention of renal amyloidosis in predisposed breeds.

›What is the Colchicine dose for dogs?

For dogs, Colchicine is typically dosed as follows — Used for hepatic fibrosis and amyloidosis prevention (Shar-Pei fever): 0.025–0.03 mg/kg PO q24h. Always consult your veterinarian for a dose tailored to your pet's weight, age, and condition.

›What is the Colchicine dose for cats?

For cats, Colchicine is typically dosed as follows — Used for prevention of renal amyloidosis in predisposed breeds: 0.01–0.03 mg/kg PO q24h. Always consult your veterinarian for a dose tailored to your pet's weight, age, and condition.

›Does Colchicine need a prescription?

Yes. Colchicine is a prescription medication and should only be administered under veterinary supervision.

Educational reference only

References

The PetCare.AI drug reference is built from 13 authoritative sources cited across 580 drug monographs.

Textbooks & handbooks — 5

Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook
Withrow & MacEwen's Small Animal Clinical Oncology
Merck Veterinary Manual
NRC Nutrient Requirements of Dogs and Cats
Veterinary Pharmacology and Therapeutics (Riviere & Papich)

Clinical guidelines & consensus — 4

ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center Guidelines
AAHA Diabetes Management Guidelines
ASPCA Poison Control Guidelines
RECOVER CPR Guidelines

Journals & peer-reviewed studies — 2

EPIC Study (J Vet Intern Med 2016)
JVIM FAT CAT Study

Regulatory & approvals — 1

CDSCO Veterinary Drug Approval Registry (1969–2026)

Databases — 1

Washington State University VCPL MDR1 Database